Anthony Davis' uncertain status looms over Mavericks, but Cooper Flagg could give team a lift

Entering the season, the Dallas Mavericks didn't know if rookie forward Cooper Flagg could carry the team without fellow forward Anthony Davis. Now, they do. 

In the first quarter of Dallas' home game against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, Davis was seen grimacing after landing awkwardly on a layup. He then exited due to soreness in his lower left leg. 

In a postgame news conference, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd provided little information about the injury, saying, "We'll see how he feels going forward." The 32-year-old finished with four points in seven minutes played.

This could be yet another setback for injury-prone Anthony Davis

While the severity of the injury remains unknown, this raises concerns for the Mavericks. Davis, of course, has a lengthy injury history. After the Mavericks acquired the 10-time All-Star in a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Lakers last season, he played in just nine games for the team because of groin, adductor, abdomen and thigh issues. 

He's already battling another issue this season. ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported he was listed as probable on the pregame injury report because of bilateral Achilles tendinopathy. 

Considering Davis' injury issues, the Mavericks could need 2025 No. 1 overall pick Flagg to step up for him at some point. On Wednesday night, he did.

Cooper Flagg responded without Anthony Davis 

After Davis left, Flagg had one of his better games thus far. In the 107-105 Mavericks win, the former Duke star had 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the field. He also logged 10 rebounds, four assists and one block.