NBA Notes: Nets, Michael Porter Jr, Magic, Franz Wagner, Knicks

Nets

Michael Porter Jr. is playing well enough to complicate Brooklyn’s plans.

The Nets have been positioning themselves for a high pick in the 2026 draft, but Porter’s recent surge is making that tougher.

As Brian Lewis of The New York Post noted, Brooklyn is 3-0 in Porter’s last three appearances and 6-7 in games he has played since Cam Thomas went down with a left hamstring strain.

Porter returned Saturday and dominated in a blowout win over New Orleans. He scored 35 points on 14-of-23 shooting, added nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block, and finished plus-31 in 33 minutes.

“He makes his teammates’ lives better,” coach Jordi Fernandez said. “He’s able to make every shot possible, but when he spaces the floor, cuts with pace, keeps moving and rebounds, it’s good for everybody else. He’s adjusting to his new role and showing maturity.”

Porter, acquired from Denver in the offseason, is averaging career highs across the board: 25.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field through 19 games. All of it could push Brooklyn to test the market before the February 5 deadline.

Magic

Orlando may be facing a major setback after Franz Wagner suffered a lower left leg injury in Sunday’s 106-100 road loss to the Knicks.

Wagner went down in the first quarter after attempting to finish an alley-oop on the break. Knicks center Ariel Hukporti broke up the pass and fouled Wagner, who landed awkwardly and immediately grabbed his left knee.

He was helped off the floor by teammates Moritz Wagner and Noah Penda and could not put weight on the leg.

The Magic ruled Wagner out for the remainder of the game and said he will be re-evaluated when the team returns home.

It comes just as Orlando welcomed Paolo Banchero back from a groin strain. Wagner had been off to one of the strongest starts of his career, averaging 23.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists while shooting nearly 49 percent from the field.

Knicks

Miles McBride exited Sunday’s home win over Orlando after suffering a left ankle injury in the third quarter.

McBride was fouled on a drive to the rim by Desmond Bane, whose left foot appeared to make contact with McBride’s ankle on the landing. After briefly staying in to shoot free throws, McBride asked out and walked to the bench with a noticeable limp.

The Knicks announced that he is being evaluated for a left ankle injury, with an update expected Monday. According to Hoopshype’s Michael Scotto, an X-ray was negative and McBride will undergo an MRI.

The 25-year-old is off to a strong season, averaging 12 points and shooting 46.2 percent from three in 19 appearances.

In other Knicks injury news, Karl-Anthony Towns was ruled out Sunday due to left calf tightness after being listed as questionable. The issue does not appear serious.