Brooklyn Nets’ Ben Simmons Ruled Out vs. Pistons on Thursday

Just when the Brooklyn Nets believed they could start turning things around due to the good health of Ben Simmons, the former All-Star guard suffered yet, another setback.

Now, the Detroit Pistons won’t face Simmons, as the Nets guard has been ruled out once again due to a lower back nerve impingement.

When the 2023-2024 season tipped off, Simmons was healthy and ready to roll without any setbacks after taking a seat prematurely for the remainder of the 2022-2023 season.

After five games, Simmons missed his first set of action on November 4. While he returned in the following game, a long stretch of absences approached, affecting the Nets' plans for the year.

Due to a back injury, Simmons went on to miss 38 consecutive games. When he returned on January 29, Simmons was brought back in a reserve role on a minutes restriction. After returning to the Nets’ lineup, Simmons appeared in nine of 12 games, averaging 18 minutes on the court.

After Brooklyn’s February 26 matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, Simmons was ruled out on the following night. Since Brooklyn’s February 27 battle against the Orlando Magic, Simmons hasn’t been available.

The five-game absence will extend to six against the Pistons on Thursday night. And according to the Nets, Simmons will miss the remainder of the season.

While Simmons hasn’t had the opportunity to contribute much to Brooklyn’s team this year, his absence is notable for a Detroit team that’s on the hunt to climb out of their three-game losing streak.

The Pistons and the Simmons-less Nets will tip off at 7 PM ET on Thursday.