76ers vs. Nets: Ben Simmons’ Status on Injury Report
The Brooklyn Nets are set to pay a visit to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night for the first time this season. Once again, the Sixers could get a look at their former first-overall pick, who now plays for the Nets after getting traded two seasons ago.
The first time the Sixers and the Nets battled it out this season, Ben Simmons was not a part of the matchup. Early on in the year, the three-time All-Star suffered a familiar back injury, which led to a long-term absence.
For the first five games of the 2023-2024 NBA season, Simmons averaged 32 minutes on the floor as a starter for the Nets. He missed his first game of the year on November 4 and returned for Brooklyn’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks two nights later.
After the Nets fell short against the Bucks, Simmons went on a 38-game absence to recover from his back injury. Earlier this week, he made his way back onto the floor to face the Utah Jazz in what became a 33-point blowout win in favor of Brooklyn.
For Simmons’s first game back, he came off the bench for 18 minutes. He made headlines with his near triple-double by scoring ten points, 11 assists, and eight total rebounds. Unfortunately, a minor knee injury forced Simmons off the floor for the following game against the Phoenix Suns.
When Simmons went out again on January 31, his playing status against the Sixers came into question. On Friday afternoon, Simmons was spotted at Brooklyn’s practice, which was a positive sign for Brooklyn. Although his playing status was initially probable, the Nets have listed Simmons as available for Saturday’s game in South Philly.
Saturday’s game would mark the fourth time Simmons faces his former team since getting traded in 2022. The last time he faced the Sixers was on February 11, 2023. Simmons appeared on the court for 16 minutes to account for four points, three rebounds, and three assists.
Across three matchups, Simmons has averaged nine points, six assists, and five rebounds against the 76ers. Saturday will offer another stiff challenge for Simmons as he enters the hostile Philly environment for the third time in his career. Barring any unexpected changes, Simmons should be cleared for action.
