Ben Simmons Injury Update: Nets Expect Him Back Saturday Against Former Team

Brooklyn Nets‘ star point guard, Ben Simmons, is expected to make a swift return to the court after a minor knee injury. The Nets are confident that Simmons’ injury is not serious and anticipate his presence in their upcoming game against his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday.

Simmons, who displayed an impressive performance in his recent game against the Utah Jazz after recovering from nerve impingement, missed Wednesday’s match due to a knee contusion. The injury occurred during an awkward fall in an attempt to block Talen Horton-Tucker’s layup. Concerns arose among fans that Simmons might face a lengthy absence, considering his previous spells on the bench since November.

However, according to Brian Lewis, Simmons underwent an MRI exam on Wednesday morning, which revealed no significant damage. Although he experienced mild swelling in the knee, draining was not necessary. Simmons took an anti-inflammatory medication that alleviated the discomfort, enabling him to participate in all required activities.

By abstaining from Wednesday’s game, Simmons will benefit from five days of rest. This period will provide the Nets coaching staff and front office an opportunity to evaluate his performance, not only for the current season but also for the team’s future plans. Reports suggest that the Nets have been exploring potential trades for various point guards, including D’Angelo Russell and Dejounte Murray, as the trade deadline approaches on Thursday. Simmons has firmly asserted himself as a point guard and demonstrated his capabilities on the court during his last appearance.

However, Simmons’ track record of reliability remains a concern. In the previous season, he missed the entirety of the 2021-22 season due to mental health issues and back problems. He underwent surgery in May 2022 and encountered ongoing struggles and absences throughout the following season. Last February, nerve impingement forced him to shut down his playing activity. Since joining the Nets, Simmons has only played in 49 games, with a mere seven appearances this season.

The concern also extends to Simmons’ hefty contract, posing a dilemma for the Nets. With earnings of $39.7 million this season and $40.3 million in the next, solid performances throughout the remainder of the current season could significantly impact his trade value.