The Brooklyn Nets are down 2-0 to the Boston Celtics in the playoffs and could probably use some reinforcements right about now. But will those reinforcements come from All-Star guard Ben Simmons?
According to ESPN NBA insider Nick Friedell, the answer to that question is no. Simmons has been ruled out ahead of tomorrow’s Game 3 at the Barclays Center.
The three-time All-Star has yet to make his debut for the Brooklyn Nets and has not played at all this season. But it’s believed that he’s on the verge of fully recovering from the back injury that has kept him off the court all season.
Many believe that Simmons will be available to play in Game 4. But if the Nets lose to Boston tomorrow, it may be too little, too late.
Nets officially list Ben Simmons out for Game 3.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) April 22, 2022
The Nets acquired Ben Simmons in their midseason blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia 76ers that sent James Harden to Philly. They also landed Andre Drummond and Seth Curry in the deal, and both players have proven to be solid contributors for the Nets.
But Simmons’ status with the team remains a bit of a mystery. He was essentially forced out of Philadelphia after one of the worst series a player has ever had in the playoffs.
The pressure is going to be on the Nets even harder for these two to five games. And it remains to be seen if Simmons is mentally up to the task – let alone physically.
Will Ben Simmons play for the Nets at all in this series?
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