Joshua Jefferson was tagged day-to-day Monday with a back and torso injury and will not play Tuesday's preseason game at Charlotte. The Nets will be without him up front as they prepare for the start of the 2026-27 season.
What happened
Joshua Jefferson showed up on the injury report Monday, Oct. 5 at 1:16 p.m. ET as day-to-day with a back and torso issue. His previous status is not announced. Brian Lewis of the New York Post reports that Jefferson, bothered by a lower back injury, is out for Tuesday's preseason game against Charlotte. The report lists an expected return of Oct. 8.
What it means for the Nets
Brooklyn visits Charlotte Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET on NBA TV without Jefferson, who has no season line yet since the 2026-27 season has not started. The Nets are 0-0, with no regular-season games to compare with or without him. In his absence, Michael Porter Jr. (32.5 minutes, 24.2 points), Nic Claxton (27.8 minutes, 11.7 points) and Noah Clowney (27.0 minutes, 12.3 points) have taken on larger roles in the rotation, based on recent box scores.
What to watch
Jefferson is already ruled out for Tuesday's game at Charlotte. His next update will come on a future injury report, with an expected return of Oct. 8. Teammate Mikel Brown Jr. is also day-to-day, with an ankle and leg issue, for the same game. Watch the next report for confirmation on both players ahead of Brooklyn's following preseason games.
Is Joshua Jefferson playing at Hornets on Oct. 6?
No. Jefferson is out for Tuesday's preseason game against Charlotte with a lower back injury, per Brian Lewis of the New York Post.
When will Joshua Jefferson be back?
A firm return is not announced. The injury report lists an expected return of Oct. 8, and Jefferson is currently day-to-day with a back and torso issue.