Michael Porter Jr. was sidelined Monday with tendinitis in the same right knee in which he suffered an MCL sprain earlier this season.
Coach Jordi Fernández downplayed any concerns before the Nets defeated the Bulls, 123-115.
“It’s the same knee, but it’s unrelated. Tendonitis is something athletes deal with in different parts of the body,” said Fernández. “It’s good for him to take this game, see how he feels and get him back feeling great. That’s the most important thing. Nothing to be concerned about. A lot of guys deal with it, but it’s good that Mike can focus on his body right now.”
Brooklyn came into the Bulls tilt 13-28 with Porter in the lineup, but just 1-9 when he didn’t suit up.
“You guys know what he brings, shot-making and points and all that,” Fernández said. “But it is what it is. We won in Utah without him. There have been other games where we competed at a high level — Utah at home we were up nine in the fourth on the second night of a back-to-back and the game was well played, we just couldn’t close. Memphis, we were up eight with three minutes to go without Mike too.
“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.”
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