Michael Porter Jr. will miss the Nets win due to patellar tendinitis that is ‘unrelated’ to a previous injury

Michael Porter Jr. was sidelined Monday with tendonitis in the same right knee, where 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 nothing related. Tendinitis is something that affects athletes in different parts of the body,” says Fernández. “It’s good for him to play this match, see how he feels and get him feeling good again. That’s the most important thing. Nothing to worry about. A lot of guys have to deal with it, but it’s good that Mike can concentrate on his body now.”

Brooklyn fell to the Bulls 13-28 with Porter in the lineup, but only 1-9 when he didn’t suit up.

“You know what he brings, making shots and scoring points and all that,” Fernández said. “But it is what it is. We won without him in Utah. There have been other games where we competed at a high level. At home in Utah, we were on the second night of a back-to-back nine in the fourth inning and the game was well played, we just couldn’t close it out. Memphis, we were also up by eight with three minutes to go without Mike.”

“Do we miss him? Yes. But the team can still do its job, play the right way, make the right shots, defend and all those things. The standards remain the same, with or without Michael. Obviously we love having him, but that doesn’t change the intentions.”

Egor Dëmin was also out against Chicago, but the rookie was simply rested.

All three two-way matches were with G-League Long Island.

Nets newcomers Ochai Agbaji and Josh Minott, both acquired at the trade deadline, were available against 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 – who Brooklyn waived at the trade deadline – cleared waivers on Sunday and signed with the Bucks.

“Glad everyone is hugging me. Everyone’s happy I’m here, everyone wanted me,” Thomas said Monday during his first appearance in Milwaukee. “The front office told me they always wanted me, were always calling about me and had been trying to get me here for years.”