The Nets forward Joshua Jefferson was cleared on Monday after being listed as out with a back and torso issue. Brooklyn opens the 2026-27 season Wednesday against the Hornets, and his return adds a body to the frontcourt rotation.
What happened
Joshua Jefferson was cleared on the official injury report Monday, Oct. 19, at 1:54 p.m. ET. He had been listed as out. The Nets first put him on the report as day-to-day with a back and torso issue on Monday, Oct. 5. They moved him to out on Friday, Oct. 16. The report carried no detail on the clearance and no comment from the team. The 22-year-old forward is no longer listed with any injury. No expected return date was announced, because none was needed once he came off the report.
What it means for the Nets
Brooklyn opens the 2026-27 season Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m. ET against the Hornets. The Nets are 0-0, so there is no record with or without Jefferson yet. No season line for him is available. In the rotation without him, Michael Porter Jr. leads the minutes at 32.5 per game and 24.2 points. Trevon Scott follows at 30.4, then Nic Claxton at 27.8 and Noah Clowney at 27.0. Egor Demin, Terance Mann, Cam Thomas and Malachi Smith each play between 23.9 and 25.2 minutes. Jefferson gives the Nets another forward option. Tyler Bilodeau remains out with a shoulder and arm issue.
What to watch
The next thing to watch is the final injury report before Wednesday's opener against the Hornets. Jefferson is clear on the current report, but a late change would show up there. No role or minutes plan for him has been announced. His court time in the opener will show how the Nets plan to use him after two weeks on the report. Bilodeau's status is the other item on Brooklyn's report, and no return date has been announced for him.
Is Joshua Jefferson playing vs the Hornets?
He is expected to be available. The injury report cleared him Monday, Oct. 19, and he has no listed status for Wednesday's game at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Nets have not announced his minutes.
When will Joshua Jefferson be back?
He is already cleared. He was out with a back and torso issue as of Friday, Oct. 16, and came off the injury report Monday. The first chance for him to play is Wednesday, Oct. 21, against the Hornets.