Sources: Ben Simmons "Realistic" Return Date

NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, who usually knows about these things, is reporting that a Ben Simmons return by Game 4 is a "realistic target" for the Brooklyn Nets in their series with the Boston Celtics. 

Based on Ben Simmons’ progress in practices this week – and the anticipation of him further accelerating in the coming days – Game 4 vs. Boston on Monday is looming as a realistic target for his Brooklyn debut, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 20, 2022

It's also based on Simmons' progress in practices this week. But Woj goes one step further, to rile up the Nets fanbase even a little more: 

Game 3 hasn’t been fully ruled out yet, but that would require Simmons to clear more hurdles in a much shorter window of time, sources said.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 20, 2022

He says that Game 3 "hasn't been fully ruled out yet, but that would require Simmons to clear more hurdles in a much shorter window of time". Game 2 in the series is tonight, Game 3 is on Saturday night, while Game 4 is on Monday night. 

Simmons, the All-Defensive Team stalwart, hasn't played a game since last June 20th, when his Philadelphia 76ers were eliminated in the NBA Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. He held out all season from Philly, demanding to be traded, and since arriving in Brooklyn at the trade deadline, has been out with a herniated disc in his back.  

Simmons was cleared for contact on Monday and has been getting in some 4-on-4 work with teammates this week, reports Wojnarowski. 

Head coach Steve Nash, who isn't a doctor and doesn't play one in the NBA, says as far as he's concerned, he's not pushing Simmons: "We can't push him places when you have been out this long. It's got to be something where he is definitely comfortable and ready to play."

Photo Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports