The final injury report for Brooklyn Nets vs. Utah Jazz arrived at 3:15 PM ET on Jan. 30, and it brings a major swing: Michael Porter Jr. is out for the Nets due to personal reasons. Utah will be without star forward Lauri Markkanen. That’s two front-line scorers off the floor, and it changes how this matchup will look from tip to buzzer.

Both teams now lean on depth. Both benches will have to carry more. And both coaches will need to move pieces around to find offense and balance.

Final Injury Report: Nets vs. Jazz (Jan. 30)

The league’s official update sets the table clearly. For Brooklyn, Michael Porter Jr. is out for personal reasons. On the Jazz side, Lauri Markkanen is sidelined as Utah manages injuries and rest, and the team is also without Ziaire Williams (left calf contusion), Elijah Harkless (two-way), and Walker Kessler (left shoulder injury).

This is a big swing in shot volume and spacing. Both Porter Jr. and Markkanen stretch the floor and pull help defenders away from the paint. Without them, the setups change. Expect more drives, more paint touches, and more shots for role players who normally space from the corners or crash for second chances.

“No MPJ and no Markkanen? This game just turned into a depth test.”

What Michael Porter Jr.’s Absence Means for the Nets

Porter Jr. has looked like Brooklyn’s top option of late. He is not just hot; he’s been reliable and efficient. He dropped 36 points on 15-of-24 shooting (6-of-10 from three) against the Suns in a 106-102 loss. Even in a rough 126-89 defeat to the Clippers, he still got to the line and tried to create, finishing with 9 points, 4 assists, and 2 boards.

Zoom out, and the recent numbers tell the story. Over his last three games, he’s averaging 24.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. Over his last four, the line pops even more: 28.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 4.8 made threes per game. His career 40.6% mark from deep backs up the idea that this is not a blip — it’s who he is when healthy and in rhythm.

With him out, Brooklyn loses gravity and a go-to scorer. The ball will likely move more, and different players will need to step into late-clock shots. Expect more attempts from the wings, more touches for cutters, and more offensive sets designed to free spot-up shooters.

Utah Jazz Injury Update: Markkanen Sits, Kessler Out

Utah’s picture is also heavy. Markkanen’s absence takes away a stretch 4 who can score at all three levels. Kessler being out due to a left shoulder issue removes a rim protector and lob target. The report also lists Ziaire Williams (left calf contusion) and Elijah Harkless (two-way) as out. For the Jazz, that means more minutes for backups and more small-ball looks in spots.

In short: this is a night where effort and togetherness matter, because the stars aren’t there to bail you out.

“If the Jazz win this, it’s because the bench owns the hustle plays.”

Recent Availability Notes: Why This Tracks

The personal-reasons tag for Porter Jr. is new for tonight, but his availability has been a moving piece this month. He’s had rest and knee management dates in January. Recent notes captured the stops and starts: “Porter (rest) will play Monday against the Suns,” “Porter will be out for rest purposes Sunday against Chicago,” “Porter (rest) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Grizzlies,” and “Porter (knee) is available for Friday’s game against the Clippers.” His injury log also shows rest on 1/17/26 and 1/10/26, a knee listing on 1/8/26, and illness on 12/31/25.

Put simply, Brooklyn has been careful with him while he’s been carrying a large offensive load. That load management, paired with his hot scoring, explains why his status matters so much to the Nets’ night-to-night offense.

How the Rotations May Shift Tonight

With Porter Jr. out, the Nets will likely share shots across the wings and second unit. Expect more catch-and-shoot threes for shooters who often space the corners. Expect more ball screens to help creators get downhill. Defensively, Brooklyn may switch more to hide mismatches and protect the glass by committee.

The Jazz, without Markkanen and Kessler, may lean into speed and spacing. More five-out looks can open lanes for drives. On defense, they may mix coverages to protect the paint without their usual rim presence, while chasing Brooklyn’s shooters off the arc.

“This one comes down to threes and rebounds. Win those, win the night.”

Porter Jr.’s Bigger Picture: Trade Buzz and All-Star Talk

Porter Jr. has not only found his groove in Brooklyn — he’s looked like a true No. 1 option. That has fueled both All-Star chatter and trade buzz, because teams always look for elite shot-makers who can bend defenses. Nights like the 36-point game in Phoenix are why front offices pay attention. He’s a plug-and-play scorer with size and a smooth stroke from deep.

His absence tonight, though, is a reminder of the balance in a long season: the need to manage health, the off-court realities that pop up, and how a team adapts when its top scorer sits. Brooklyn’s answer in this game will say a lot about the supporting cast and the system around him.

What to Watch: Simple, Winning Details

• Who replaces Porter Jr.’s shot volume? Look for early sets to identify the hot hand.
• Can the Nets keep their three-point clip steady without their best spacer?
• How do the Jazz protect the paint with Kessler out — and keep pace on the boards?
• Which bench unit swings a quarter with energy plays and timely threes?

The answers to those questions often decide shorthanded games. One run, one stretch of stops, one hot shooter can flip the scoreboard.

Bottom Line

Michael Porter Jr. is out for personal reasons. Lauri Markkanen is out for the Jazz. More reserves will play bigger roles. For both teams, this is about trust, shot-making, and toughness. The Nets must replace a big scoring load. The Jazz must build a wall without their top scorer and a key rim protector. It may not be the star-versus-star show fans expected, but it will be a clear test of depth — and an important one for two teams trying to build momentum.

Come tipoff, the team that wins the little things — box-outs, close-outs, extra passes — will likely leave with the big result.