Mavs' Flagg (shoulder) exits after hard foul by Pacers' Nesmith; scuffle ensues

Mavericks star Cooper Flagg left Friday night's 121-105 win over the Indiana Pacers after a jarring flagrant foul sent him crashing to the floor, casting doubt over his availability for Saturday's game.

The incident came on a breakaway dunk attempt in Indianapolis when Indiana's Aaron Nesmith tried to block Flagg's shot from behind, according to ESPN. Flagg landed awkwardly on his left shoulder — the same shoulder he injured during his rookie season — and did not play in the second half.

The Mavericks said Flagg has left shoulder soreness and will be evaluated over the next couple of days. He did not speak to reporters after the game.

Flagg, last season's NBA Rookie of the Year, has been off to a fast start in his second professional season, ESPN reported, scoring 32 points just two nights earlier.

Nesmith was assessed a flagrant 1 for the foul, and the play immediately sparked a scuffle under the basket, with Mavericks forward Naji Marshall confronting him. Two Dallas players also appeared to leave the bench area, though the Mavericks said both went to check on Flagg. Another brief scuffle broke out between the teams near midcourt later in the second half, per ESPN.

Dallas hosts the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday in the second game of a back-to-back, leaving Flagg's status for that matchup uncertain.