NBA Rumors: Ben Simmons Will NOT Make His Debut vs Sixers March 10

It appears that Philadelphia 76ers fans likely won't get to show their "appreciation" for Ben Simmons when the Brooklyn Nets make their visit to Philly on March 10th. The Nets are saying that Simmons is dealing with lower back pain, and NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski says the March 10th game will certainly not be his Nets debut.

“We’re 12 days away from that March 10 date that everyone in the league is looking at in Philadelphia, Nets-Sixers," said Woj on ESPN's NBA Countdown this weekend. "I know this: That won’t be Ben Simmons’ debut. They would not put him in that game as a first game. So either he comes back just prior or perhaps just after."

The Nets have 5 games before that March 10th date in Philly, and a bettor, at this point, would do well to pick the "after". After all, if he returns before that game, how will he then beg out of playing in the Sixers game?

Sixers fans, of course, are suspicious of Simmons' return only after the Philadelphia game.

Ben Simmons on March 11 pic.twitter.com/fNhzZ55zdo
— CogginToboggan (@CogginToboggan) February 27, 2022

Why was anybody suprised when they saying Ben Simmons dealing with a back issue...he dont have a spine 😂😂😂
— Pastor Blacklip (@Moochie__57) February 27, 2022

Even Danny Green was throwing shade at Simmons this past week, stating emphatically that he doesn't expect his former teammate to face the wrath of the fans in the City of Brotherly Love on March 10th. "I'd be highly surprised," said Green.

In the meantime, Kevin Durant is ever-closer to returning for the Nets, however, as he's expected to return this coming week from his sprained MCL, maybe even as soon as Monday against Toronto. "He'll wake up one morning, and tell Brooklyn he's ready to play," said Wojnarowski.