Nets Injury Report: Ben Simmons Continues to Struggle With Fitness, as Brooklyn Faces the Grizzlies

Brooklyn Nets forward Ben Simmons is marked as questionable in the team’s injury report for their upcoming away game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, marking the first meeting of the season series between the two teams. In the recent 101-86 defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, the 27-year-old forward played for 15 minutes. During the game, he contributed four points, eight rebounds, one assist, three steals, one block, shooting 2 of 6 from the field, and committing one turnover.

The Brooklyn Nets are heading into the upcoming game amid a rough patch, having suffered defeats in four consecutive matches and seven out of their last eight. Their lone triumph during this stretch came against the lowest-ranked team in the Western Conference, the San Antonio Spurs, with a final score of 123-103.

What’s wrong with Ben Simmons?

Following the Nets’ 101-86 loss to the Timberwolves on Saturday, interim head coach Kevin Ollie disclosed that Ben had to leave the game due to a knee injury. Simmons is now designated as questionable for Monday’s game against the Grizzlies due to soreness in his left leg. Whether he will participate remains uncertain, and the decision will be made closer to game time.

In the event that Simmons is unable to play, players such as Dennis Smith, Trendon Watford, and Dennis Schroder are expected to see an uptick in playing time. The three-time All-Star experienced left leg soreness in the third quarter, leading to his unexpected departure from the game. He returned to the court nearly a month ago after a prolonged 38-game absence due to back issues.

However, various injuries have continued to plague Ben’s time with the Nets, becoming a recurring theme in his tenure. The extent of his current injury remains uncertain. The Nets have historically taken a cautious approach to his health concerns. They are currently awaiting additional medical evaluations to determine his availability for the upcoming game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

His career-best performance against the Grizzlies comprised 22 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists, and three steals. In their recent meeting, the former All-Star concluded the game with 22 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and a steal, albeit with five turnovers. Notably, he had an impressive shooting performance, going 11 of 13 at 84.6%, with no attempts from beyond the arc or the free-throw line.

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