Nets vs 76ers: Why is Ben Simmons not playing in the playoff series?

Simmons had not played since February 15, 2023, when Brooklyn defeated Miami. He was initially listed on the injury report with stiffness in his left knee, but Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn disclosed in early March that he also experienced tenderness in his back while fortifying his knee. Simmons was subsequently listed on the injury report as having a back nerve impingement.

The Nets coach said, “Ben will not be joining us the rest of the year and through the playoffs. After consulting with our doctors, multiple specialists, he’s just going to begin a rehab program. Our doctors and the specialists feel and think that he’ll have a full recovery so that starts now.”

How long will Ben Simmons be out?

Simmons’ recovery date is uncertain, but Vaughn said the team does not anticipate him to require surgery during the offseason.

Following the 2021-22 season, Simmons underwent lower back surgery to “treat pain caused by a herniated disk,” which required three to four months of rehabilitation.

The Nets lost the first game of the postseason against the Sixers, and they will be looking to turn things around this today when they meet for the second game of the series.