Report: "No Chance" Ben Simmons Plays Against Sixers This Week


The news of Ben Simmons' "back tightness" started to circulate last week, setting the stage for what was the inevitable: There is "no chance" he suits up for the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday in Philadelphia against his former team. That, according to NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski. Those who follow the Sixers are not too shocked to hear this.

Howard Eskin of Sports Radio WIP in Philly wrote: "Least surprising news I’ve heard. Ben Simmons never intended to play in Phila. He creates injuries."

"The Nets hope," said Wojnarowski on ESPN's ABC broadcast, "is when Brooklyn gets back after Thursday's game in Philly, Simmons at that point will be ready to start getting on the floor with his teammates, increasing his workload, and getting closer to returning. That back problem has been an issue for him since he's tried to start ramping up. He's essentially really just done individual work at their facility. They're hoping by the end of this week. he'll be able to do more."

"Tremendous urgency" to get Simmons in the lineup

Woj also stated the obvious, saying that there's no question the reeling Nets want him back ASAP. 

"There's tremendous urgency around the Nets to get Ben Simmons on the court, get him incorporated, and playing with this team," said Wojnarowski. That would be due to the fact that the Nets have just dropped to a game under .500, losing their 4th straight, this time blowing a potentially winnable game down the stretch, to the Boston Celtics. Brooklyn is now in a virtual tie with the Atlanta Hawks for 9th and 10th place in the East, the final two Play-In spots. 

The Nets and Sixers do not play again this season after Thursday — unless a juicy playoff matchup is in the offing. 

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