Nets Resting Michael Porter Jr. for Tank Matchup with Depleted Grizzlies

Brooklyn looks to build on surprise win over Pistons as they continue tanking efforts

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Brooklyn Nets are resting star forward Michael Porter Jr. for Monday's matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, who will be without several key players including Ja Morant. The move comes after Porter led the Nets to a surprise 23-point comeback win over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, a result that dropped Brooklyn into a tie for third in the draft lottery standings. Despite the absences, the Nets are still expected to have a decent chance at picking up a second straight victory against the depleted Grizzlies roster.

Why it matters

The Nets are in the midst of a tanking effort to secure a higher draft pick, and resting their best player for a matchup against a similarly depleted Grizzlies squad suggests they are prioritizing their draft position over immediate wins. This strategy could have major implications on the NBA draft lottery and the Nets' future roster construction.

The details

Michael Porter Jr. was ruled out for Monday's game against the Grizzlies for rest, coming off a 30-point, 13-rebound performance in 39 minutes during the Nets' surprise 23-point comeback win over the Pistons on Saturday. The victory dropped the Nets into a tie for third in the draft lottery standings, 1.5 games behind the Indiana Pacers for second and two games behind the Sacramento Kings for first. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies will be without eight of their highest-paid players, including Ja Morant, Zach Edey, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, leaving them with only eight available players - all on rookie contracts, minimum deals or two-way contracts, and without a true center.

  • The Nets lost ground in the tank race following Saturday's 23-point comeback win over the Pistons.
  • Porter played a season-high 39 minutes in the win over the Pistons.

The players

Michael Porter Jr.

A star forward for the Brooklyn Nets who is being rested for Monday's game against the Grizzlies as part of the team's tanking efforts.

Ja Morant

The star point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies who will be sidelined for Monday's game against the Nets.

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What’s next

If the Nets are able to defeat the depleted Grizzlies on Monday, it could further complicate their tanking efforts and draft lottery positioning.

The takeaway

The Nets' decision to rest their best player, Michael Porter Jr., for a tank matchup against the Grizzlies highlights the team's focus on securing a higher draft pick over immediate wins. This strategy could have significant implications on the NBA draft lottery and the Nets' future roster construction.