Nets' Jordi Fernandez explains effect of Michael Porter Jr. absence

NEW YORK -- The Brooklyn Nets surprised some people in the fanbase when they announced on Thursday that forward Michael Porter Jr. would miss Friday's NBA Cup game against the Philadelphia 76ers due to low back tightness. Porter will miss his first game of the 2025-26 season due to an injury, but it seems that Brooklyn isn't concerned with his long-term health.

"Obviously, we're never going to rush him. His health, body, is the number one priority. We're not concerned. We'll see how he feels. Then, we'll give an update after the game," Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez said prior to Friday's game against the 76ers. Porter's absence is not only concerning due to the nature of his back issue combined with his prior history of back ailments, but Brooklyn has to find a way to run an efficient offense against Philadelphia.

"Obviously we're going to miss him, right? He creates a lot of attention and he's done a great job," Fernandez explained regarding the impact of Porter being out of the lineup. "Having the next man mentality throughout the whole last season, we had to deal with that a lot. Even this year, unfortunately, CT (Cam Thomas) being out as well. These guys are doing a great job. They'll be ready. There's opportunities. I think that whoever is going to take that spot in the minutes, they're going to go play really hard."

Porter, 27, is having the best season of his career with averages of 24.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game while shooting 48.3% from the field and 36.2% from three-point land. With Porter and Thomas out of the rotation for Friday's game against the 76ers, Fernandez will have to find a way to help a struggling offense find a way to put up points against a Philadelphia defense that can be taken advantage of.

Heading into Friday's matchup, center Nic Claxton (14.1 points per game) while third-year forward Noah Clowney (12.2 points per game) will be asked to do more than what they have done to this point in the season. The 76ers will be missing center Joel Embiid and rookie VJ Edgecombe so Brooklyn will get a Philadelphia that is missing some of its best players, but is far from a pushover. The Nets will need everyone to contribute without Porter available.

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets' Jordi Fernandez explains effect of Michael Porter Jr. absence