Brooklyn Nets Player Likely Out For Remainder Of Season
Ben Simmons is in his first season playing for the Brooklyn Nets after getting traded (via the Philadelphia 76ers) last year.
The former LSU star is averaging a solid 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.3 steals per contest in 42 games (while shooting 56.6% from the field).
However, he has not played in each of the last 15 games and is ruled out for Saturday's matchup with the Miami Heat.
On Friday, the Nets gave an update on Simmons.
Via Nets PR on Friday: "Ben Simmons Medical Update: Ben Simmons has been diagnosed with a nerve impingement in his back after a reevaluation earlier today. He will remain out of action while we determine the best long-term course of treatment."
Brooklyn Nets PR
Before Saturday's game against the Heat, head coach Jacque Vaughn spoke to the media about Simmons (video via Erik Slater of ClutchPoints).
Vaughn: "He's probably not gonna join us for the rest of the year. In all honesty."
The Nets come into the night with a 39-34 record in 73 games, which has them as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference.
That said, they are in the middle of a five-game losing streak and just 4-6 in their last ten games.
On the road, the Nets have been solid, going 20-18 in the 38 games they have played away from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
They are just a half-game back of the Miami Heat, so Friday's matchup is crucial for their place in the standings.
