The Brooklyn Nets are experiencing a challenging period (lately) and it appears that the drama continues to accumulate. With the team descending into a 4-16 slump and rumors of tanking circulating, it has been difficult for fans to maintain optimism. The most recent news from the Nets? Several concerning injury updates before their game against the Portland Trail Blazers, with two pivotal players—D’Angelo Russell and Ben Simmons—at the heart of the matter. However, the situation is complicated and although fans hope for a turnaround, the uncertainty looms large.

Injuries keep making headlines for Brooklyn this season, and the situation isn’t getting better. The team’s poor record is already a problem, and now it’s unclear if Russell and Simmons can play in the next game. This is the start of the Nets’ troubles as they head into their upcoming matchup since the issues seem to pile up. Fans still have hope, but the pressure is growing and there’s a lot at stake.

Injury Report Update: D’Angelo Russell & Ben Simmons Status

As if the Nets didn’t have enough to contend with already, the injury report for their upcoming game against Portland appears quite grim. D’Lo is questionable for the contest due to a right shin contusion; this means the team could potentially be without him once again. However, there’s also Ben Simmons, who has been struggling with a lower back problem alongside left knee discomfort. It’s safe to assert that Simmons’ involvement is uncertain, which only exacerbates the unpredictability of Brooklyn’s already tumultuous season.

But Russell and Simmons aren’t the only ones worrying the team. Nic Claxton has a tight right hamstring and C.J. Johnson has a sprained right ankle. Things are worse because several players can’t play in the game already. Bogdanovic is getting better from a left foot injury. Lewis broke his left tibia. Melton tore his left knee ACL. Thomas pulled his left hamstring. Watford also hurt his left hamstring.

All these injuries are putting Brooklyn’s bench to the test.

A Bigger Picture: Is Tanking the Nets’ Strategy?

Besides all these injuries, another problem looms over the Nets—people are calling them out for maybe losing on purpose to get a better draft pick. Sean Marks, the Brooklyn Nets’ GM, stressed that Brooklyn is thinking long term even if it means not always trying to win right away. Their goal?

To land a Top 4 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. This strategy has sparked claims of “tanking”—the idea that the Nets are making choices that hurt their chances of winning games to boost their odds in the draft lottery.

Currently, Tankathon has the Nets slated for the No. 6 pick, giving them a 37.2% chance of securing a Top 4 selection and a 9% chance at the No. 1 overall pick. As the season progresses, many are left pondering how Brooklyn will navigate these growing challenges. Will they stick to their rebuilding plan, or is there a possibility for them to turn things around and make a playoff push?

The Nets are definitely in a challenging situation. Injuries are mounting, and with discussions about tanking in the air, the team’s future seems unclear. As they prepare to take on the Trail Blazers next, it will be another challenge to see how they cope without so many important players.

Will they stick to their plan and concentrate on the draft, or can they find a way to make the most of the remainder of their season? We’ll just have to wait and find out.