How Serious Is Cooper Flagg’s Injury?

The close up of Cooper Flagg’s injury is nasty. Hope he’s okay. pic.twitter.com/4tdoQGzvvs

— College Basketball Content (@CBBcontent) March 13, 2025

Thankfully for fans, Flagg was able to join the team once again for the game’s second half, leaving behind the wheelchair used to take him to the locker room for initial tests. It’s also worth noting that even while not being able to take the floor once again, Flagg was seen being able to walk on his own without a need for crutches, a boot, or any other medical equipment.

Despite being ruled out of the game with an ankle injury, Cooper Flagg is on the bench supporting his teammates 👏 pic.twitter.com/USiWVsbrvg

— ESPN (@espn) March 13, 2025

Now, as Duke prepares for two pivotal games, including an ACC Tournament semifinal showdown against North Carolina before the first weekend of March Madness action, the debate floor is open.

Depending on Flagg’s progress from his injury, should he or should he not play as soon as possible, especially with every single team in the country gunning to be the one to take the March Madness picks and predictions favorites Duke out of the tournament?

Don’t Count On Cooper Suiting up vs. UNC

If you’re one of those people who still have an inkling of hope to watch Flagg play against UNC and lead Duke to its third win of the season against their most hated rivals, l wouldn’t hold my breath in expectation.

Quoting Duke coach Jon Scheyer when asked about Flagg’s availability for Friday’s game, the coach called it a “long shot” and also stated: “I would have to be, like, convinced by everybody in the locker room when I go back there that he should play. It’s not worth it. It just isn’t.”

Jon Scheyer on Cooper Flagg potentially playing in the remainder of the ACC Tournament:

“It’s not worth it.” pic.twitter.com/2hiq8ohCnG

— Travon Miles (@TrayABC11) March 13, 2025

Doubling down on his statement, Sheyer also said: “It’s not about being ready to go tomorrow. That’s not the most important thing for us. We’ve got to see if we can get him right for this run that we can make in the tournament.”

And being completely honest here, even if Flagg is touted as Duke’s most important player right now, he will be of much better use once March Madness games are on the line instead of the two remaining ACC Tournament games.

“There’s no way I would even attempt to play him this weekend.” @TomCrean shares his thoughts on Cooper Flagg’s recent ankle injury. pic.twitter.com/FHaTyqANUK

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 14, 2025

So in short, with players like Kon Knueppel, Sion James, and Tyrese Proctor ready to go, it’s not like Duke will be scrambling to find solutions for a Flagg-less game, even if rivalry cred is at stake.

How Does Flagg’s Injury Affect Duke’s Title Odds?

The only question left, especially if you’re planning on betting on March Madness action, is how Flagg’s injury affects Duke’s title odds.

Currently tied for favorites with Auburn at +350 according to BetUS Sportsbook’s odds on NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship winner, Duke saw its odds, slated at +325 before Flagg’s injury scare, take a slight dip.

Looking at Cooper Flagg’s stats throughout the season, it’s impossible not to take note of the effect he’s had on his team.

Having played in 32 games, averaging 30.4 minutes per game with 18.9 points on 48.8 field goal percentage, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game, Flagg has been living up to all the hype surrounding him.

Hence, it’s so important to let him rest and get ready for what’s to come once March Madness starts.

Please be ok Cooper Flagg pic.twitter.com/mfK3BIvNex

— Matthew Travis (@MatthewJTravis_) March 13, 2025

Duke has what it takes to beat UNC and put up a fight against either Clemson or Louisville in the conference tournament finals.

So let Cooper rest.