Why Michael Porter Jr. is not playing against the Grizzlies
The Brooklyn Nets will be without the main scorer Michael Porter Jr. when they travel to face Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. Porter Jr. will miss the game for rest on the front of the back-to-back.
With trade speculation surrounding Porter Jr. is growingsome fans suggested the striker’s absence could signal a deal. The Nets have been linked to Grizzlies star Ja Morant, who will also be ruled out on Sunday.
However, Porter Jr., who has a long injury history and a career-high burden this season, he did not play in the last two matches in Brooklyn.
Michael Porter Jr. sits side by side as trade speculation mounts
Head coach Jordi Fernandez hinted earlier this month that the All-Star contender would still sit back-to-back.
“If you look at the schedule (coming up), it’s very different with the density of games. Given the problems he’s had, obviously I trust the medical team at this point,” Fernandez said. “Now we’re going to play four games a week for five straight weeks … I have very good people preparing for it and looking at the data of how much I play with him … We’re always going to put their bodies and their health first. So, right now, what we’re doing (with them sitting back to back), I think it’s worked very well. Those guys have played very well.”
Porter Jr. emerged as an All-Star candidate this season while entering as the Nets’ No. 1 option. The 27-year-old averaged 25.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists on 49/40/83 shooting.
The Nets have lost five of their last six games, two of which Porter Jr. missed, after a 7-3 stretch.
2026-01-11 05:29:00
