
USA Today via Reuters
an 19, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) leaves the court after being ejected against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
an 19, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) leaves the court after being ejected against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Fortunately for Brooklyn Nets fans, they are used to Ben Simmons‘ absences on the court. With that, as Simmons and the Nets were in a fierce battle against the top-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves, Simmons was surprisingly sidelined from the game.
During the third quarter, Simmons experienced left leg soreness, prompting his unexpected exit from the court. Before his departure, he contributed in 15 minutes, scoring 4 points, securing 9 rebounds, and providing 1 assist with 8:04 left in the stretch.
Just nearly a month ago, Simmons returned to the court after a lengthy 38-game absence due to back concerns. Throughout his tenure with the Nets, he has battled through several injuries, making it an ongoing narrative.
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The severity of Ben’s injury remains unknown. The Nets have a history of being cautious with Simmons. With that, they will await further medical updates on his potential return for the next game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Nets initially planned to have Simmons play alongside a unit with limited shooting and was managing to hold their own against the Wolves.
Ben Simmons (left leg soreness) is out for the remainder of tonight’s game.
— Meghan Triplett (@Meghan_Triplett) February 25, 2024
However, their struggles began after Simmons’ exit. Initially, they matched the score after Dennis Schroder‘s assist to cut the 2-point margin. Moreover, they embarked on a run early in the fourth.
Read More – “They Always Hated Me”: Donovan Mitchell Holds Ben Simmons Guilty For Fans’ Hostility in Philadelphia
However, the Wolves’ young roster quickly took the game over, as the Nets ultimately suffered a 101-86 loss, with visible frustrations at the game’s conclusion.
The Nets were initially confused about Ben Simmons’ injury
The trade involving James Harden has yet to yield substantial results. During his stint with the Nets, he recorded multiple career lows and has had a history of unfulfilled expectations. Moreover, Simmons’ tenure with the team has been marred by frequent absences, primarily due to back and leg injuries.
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With that, as Simmons took to the locker room after his sudden exit from the recent game, the Nets authorities were initially confused and cited his injury as knee-related and requiring imaging. However, swiftly, the team clarified it to be leg soreness.
Kevin Ollie said Ben Simmons has a knee injury and will get imaging done before the team clarified it is a leg injury.
Simmons missed a game due to swelling in his left knee after returning from his recent back injury. He missed two extended stretches due to the knee last year.
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) February 25, 2024
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Simmons also has a history of dealing with leg soreness, tracing back to multiple stretches last season and a missed game this season after coming back from his back injury.
Simmons came to the Nets at the 2022 trade deadline. Since then, he has only managed to be available for 55 games in the 2 years. Earlier this season, Simmons exuded newfound confidence and a drive to perform this season. With that, he aimed further to demolish the surrounding narratives. However, injuries continue to significantly impact his overall abilities on the court.
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