Nets Rule Out Several Top Players vs. Hawks After Back-to-Back Wins

Brooklyn's tank race hopes take a hit as they lose ground in the lottery standings.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 1:13pm

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The Brooklyn Nets will be without several key players, including Michael Porter Jr., Day'Ron Sharpe, and Nolan Traore, when they face the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday. The Nets' lengthy injury report comes after they picked up back-to-back wins over the Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies, which cost them significant ground in the NBA's tank race.

Why it matters

The Nets were previously tied for second in the draft lottery standings, but their recent wins have dropped them to fourth. With a matchup against the second-place Sacramento Kings coming up, the Nets have a chance to regain ground in the tank race by losing to the Hawks.

The details

The Nets will be without Porter Jr. (right ankle sprain), Sharpe (left thumb sprain), and Traore (rest) for the Hawks game. Ziaire Williams (illness) is also questionable. The Nets recently shut down rookie Egor Demin for the season due to a plantar fascia injury. The Nets' rotation changes, which included benching veteran Terance Mann, followed the back-to-back wins over the Pistons and Grizzlies.

  • The Nets will face the Hawks on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
  • The Nets picked up back-to-back wins over the Pistons and Grizzlies in the previous week.

The players

Michael Porter Jr.

A Nets player who is ruled out with a right ankle sprain.

Day'Ron Sharpe

A Nets player who is ruled out with a left thumb sprain.

Nolan Traore

A Nets player who is ruled out for rest.

Ziaire Williams

A Nets player who is questionable with an illness.

Egor Demin

A Nets rookie who was recently shut down for the season due to a plantar fascia injury.

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What’s next

Losses in the upcoming games against the Kings, Pacers, and Wizards would allow the Nets to climb to the top spot in the tank race.

The takeaway

The Nets' recent back-to-back wins have hurt their position in the NBA's tank race, but they still have a chance to regain ground by losing to the Hawks and other key opponents down the stretch.