Cooper Flagg's Return Boosts Mavericks, Challenges Bulls

0:00Welcome to NBA News today. I, two minutes of updates that matter to NBA fans, hit subscribe and stay connected. The Dallas Maverick's rookie sensation Cooper Flag is set to return after missing nearly a month with a left foot spring. The number one pick from the 2025 NBA draft has been out since February 9th, and during those eight games, Dallas win just two wins and six losses. This comes at a key time for the Chicago Bulls, who are chasing better draft lottery odds. Meanwhile, the Maverick sit 12th in the Western Conference with a 21 and 40 record, holding the 7th best lottery odds at 32. Percent for a top 4 pick and 7.5 percent for the top spot again. Last season, they beat the odds from 11th place to snag flag, which stings extra for Chicago since the Bulls had the same record and lost a coin, flipped for those better chances. Bulls fans still feel that loss deeply, as they cost them a franchise changing talent. Flag was on fire before his injury, averaging 32 points, 7.7 rebounds, and four assists

1:04over six games while shooting over, 50 percent from the field, and 45 percent from three. Even against tough teams like the Celtics and Suns, he's shown, though Dallas dropped all those contests. Now, with Flagback, the Mavericks could string together more wins, especially facing a tough schedule that might include resting opponents late in, the season. Chicago trails Dallas by 3.5 games in lottery standings, with the Memphis Grizzlies 1.5 games ahead of the Bulls. Passing Memphis seems doable with two matchups left, and creeping past Dallas is suddenly in play. The Bulls and Mavericks even close out the regular season against each other, so this could get interesting. For a team desperate to rebuild, every break counts, and Flag's return might just give Chicago the lottery lift they need in these final six weeks. This story is made possible by a sponsor. No need to switch positions. The sound is already where your head is. S-O-L-I-SOLYPILO.COM