Nets Injury Report: Is Ben Simmons Returning Tonight vs Jazz After Missing 39 Previous Games?

Following the exit of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, the Nets’ responsibility was shouldered on Ben Simmons. While a lot was expected from the Australian, he succumbed to a back injury early in the season. After having played only 6 games in the season, he missed 39 games in a row for the next three months. However, a recent report suggested that the 27-year-old could return to action on Monday against the Utah Jazz.

Erik Slater, a reporter, took to his X handle and reported that Simmons has a “high likelihood” of returning to the court, following his interview. The Nets guard went off the grid because of the pinched nerve in his back. This isn’t the first time when he has missed out on games, owing to his back.

He has been dealing with his back injury ever since he moved from the Philadelphia 76ers. Earlier it was understood that Ben Simmons had issues with his left hip, but later it was identified that it was caused by an impingement in his lower back. The star had never really had a great career since he moved to the Brooklyn team. In the last two seasons, he has managed to play 48 games, averaging around 7 points.

Speaking of his three-month-long rehab, Ben Simmons showed some optimism, reported Sports Illustrated. He said, “I felt like I was just dealing with that injury in that area [Back]. So I was able to keep that strength in other areas and just work on what I needed to work on in terms of the rehab.”

Currently, the Nets are in the 11th seed with an 18-27 record, struggling to keep their head above the playoffs contention. A fully fit Simmons would be a great addition to the roster, led by Cam Thomas’ offense.

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While Thomas retained his spot again in the starting line-up, Simmons’ return could mess it up again. However, before figuring it out, let’s find out about Aussie baller’s unfulfilled promise.

Ben Simmons’ unfulfilled promise

During the 2023 off-season, Simmons organized a camp for young basketball enthusiasts. During that event, he made a promise to the Nets fans to bring back the glory. He added, “I just have one goal, to win… The team’s gonna come first… Get ready for a great year, I think it’s gonna be exciting, we’re gonna have a lot of fun and give back to Brooklyn basketball.”

Unfortunately, it didn’t go as he intended it to, as he succumbed a back injury and was out of action for 3 months. Now that the star can return, will he turn the tide for the Nets? Only time will tell.

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Will Ben Simmons’ return turn the tide for the Nets? Let us know in the comments below.