Why Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. isn’t playing vs. Grizzlies

Jan 11, 2026 - 05:30

The Brooklyn Nets will be without leading scorer Michael Porter Jr. when they travel to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. Porter Jr. will miss the game for rest on the front end of a back-to-back.

With trade speculation surrounding Porter Jr. growing, some fans have suggested that the breakout forward’s absence could signal a deal. The Nets have been linked to Grizzlies star Ja Morant, who will also be sidelined on Sunday. However, Porter Jr., who has an extensive injury history and is shouldering a career-high workload, has not played in Brooklyn’s last two back-to-backs.

Michael Porter Jr. sitting front end of back-to-back as trade speculation grows

Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (17) shoots the ball in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. — Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Head coach Jordi Fernandez hinted earlier this month that the All-Star candidate will continue to sit back-to-backs moving forward.

“If you look at the schedule [coming up], it’s very different with the density of the games. With the issues he had, I obviously trust the medical performance team right now,” Fernandez said. “Now we’ll play four games a week for five straight weeks… I have very good people preparing for that and looking at the data on how much I play him… We’ll always put their bodies and their health first. So, right now, what’s being done [with them sitting back-to-backs], I think it’s worked very well. Those guys have performed very well.”

Porter Jr. has emerged as an All-Star candidate this season while stepping in as the Nets’ No. 1 option. The 27-year-old has averaged 25.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists on 49/40/83 shooting splits.

The Nets have lost five of their last six games, two of which Porter Jr. missed, following a 7-3 stretch.

The post Why Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. isn’t playing vs. Grizzlies appeared first on ClutchPoints.