When will Ben Simmons play for the Brooklyn Nets?
The Brooklyn Nets have announced that guard Ben Simmons will be sitting out Game 4 of the team’s opening round playoff series against the Boston Celtics.
Ben Simmons’ debut for the Brooklyn Nets has been pushed back once more. The organization has announced that the 25-year-old will not be seeing action in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics.
The Nets will fight to stay alive, as they trail Boston 0-3. No team has ever come back from such a deficit in the history of the NBA playoffs. Brooklyn is now the only team in the league who has not won a single game in the postseason.
Ben Simmons’ back troubles
Brooklyn had been planning for Simmons’ debut with the team in Game 4, but he suffered a setback, reportedly telling the Nets that he woke up with a sore back.
Simmons has been been undergoing rehabilitation for a herniated disc in his lower back.
He had been cleared for contact ahead of Game 2, and had experienced no pain for over a week and half in practice. He also participated in his first four-on-four scrimmage last week.
The 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year is now unlikely to see any action this season. He last had court time in June 2021 with the Philadelphia 76ers.
NBA world reacts to Simmons’ non-debut
Following the Nets’ announcement, NBA analysts expressed their displeasure at Simmons.
Shaquille O’Neal said of the latest development, “In the hood we call this a punk move… If your back hurts, get some Icy Hot, I’ll send it to you.”
Stephen Smith said, “It’s pulling teeth to get this man to play basketball… it’s pathetic, it’s sad.”
Many others also gave strong opinions on the latest development in the Simmons saga.
The Nets face the Celtics at home for Game 4 on Monday, April 25, at Barclays Center. Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.