The Brooklyn Nets will look to snap a four-game losing streak when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. Leading scorer Michael Porter Jr. could return to their lineup for the match after a three-game absence.
Porter is questionable to play against Oklahoma City after missing Brooklyn's last three games due to an ankle sprain. Head coach Jordi Fernandez said the star forward participated in his first on-court workout on Monday.
Brooklyn has built its offense around Porter's off-ball movement and elite shotmaking. Porter is averaging a career-high 24.2 points on .463/.363/.859 shooting splits in 52 appearances this season. In the games he missed, the Nets are 3-13.
He has struggled to do anything offensively during his latest absence.
Michael Porter Jr. upgraded to questionable vs. Thunder amid three-game absence
Brooklyn is averaging 96.3 points on 40.1 percent shooting over its last three games, which ranks last in the league in both categories. The rebuilding team has been without several other rotation pieces besides Porter in each loss.
With the Nets out of play-in contention, they have given extended minutes to two-way players Tyson Etienne, EJ Liddell, Chanie Johnson and 10-day signee Malachi Smith over the past week. Trade acquisitions Josh Minot and Ochai Agbaji have also played a heavy role.
Meanwhile, the Thunder have won twelve of their last 13 games as they look to lock down the NBA's top seed for the second consecutive season. Oklahoma City will be on the second night of a back-to-back on Wednesday after defeating the Orlando Magic 113-108 on Tuesday at the Kia Center.
Ben Saraf (left foot soreness) is also doubtful for the Nets on Wednesday. Nolan Traore (right eye strain) and Terrence Mann (left eye strain) are probable.
