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Michael Porter Jr. was absent from Monday’s game due to tendinitis in his right knee, the same knee where he previously endured an MCL sprain earlier in the season.
Coach Jordi Fernández sought to alleviate any worries prior to the Nets’ 123-115 victory over the Bulls.
“While it’s the same knee, the issues aren’t connected. Tendinitis occurs in various parts of an athlete’s body,” Fernández explained. “Taking a break from this game allows him to assess his condition and return stronger. That’s the priority. It’s not a major concern. Many athletes face tendinitis, and it’s beneficial for Mike to concentrate on his recovery now.”
Brooklyn entered the matchup against the Bulls with a record of 13-28 when Porter played, but they struggled with a 1-9 record in his absence.
“Everyone is aware of his contributions—scoring and shooting,” Fernández expressed. “However, we’ve managed without him before. We secured a victory in Utah without his presence. There have been instances where we performed admirably, such as when we led Utah at home by nine points in the fourth quarter on a back-to-back, though we couldn’t finish. Against Memphis, we were ahead by eight with three minutes remaining, even without Mike.”
“Do we miss him? Yes. But the team can still do its job, play the right way, get the right shots, defend and all those things. The standards stay the same with or without Michael. Obviously we love having him, but it doesn’t change the intentions.”
Egor Dëmin was also out against Chicago, but the rookie was simply being rested.
All three two-ways were with G-League Long Island.
Nets newcomers Ochai Agbaji and Josh Minott, both acquired at the trade deadline, were available vs. the Bulls.
Meanwhile, big man Zach Collins, rookie forward Noa Essengue, point guard Josh Giddey, Tre Jones and Jalen Smith were all out for Chicago.
Cam Thomas — waived by Brooklyn at the trade deadline — cleared waivers Sunday and signed with the Bucks.
“Happy that everybody is embracing me. Everybody’s happy that I’m here, everybody wanted me,” Thomas said in his first availability in Milwaukee on Monday. “Front office told me that they always wanted me, always called about me, been trying to get me here for years.”