Ben Simmons has been dealing with an irritation of the L-4 disc in his lower spine, but the Brooklyn Nets are hoping he can return a “couple” games before the post-season, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne.
The report adds that Simmons’s target for a return had originally been for Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers, but the three-time All-Star has not been able to go consecutive days in rehab without suffering a setback as he continues to receive treatment. Brooklyn’s final two regular-season games are against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers on April 8 and 10 respectively. The team is currently in position to feature in the NBA’s play-in tournament later that week.
Simmons hasn’t played since Game 7 of last season’s Eastern Conference semifinal between the Philadelphia 76ers and Atlanta Hawks. The 25-year-old was traded to the Nets along with Seth Curry and Andre Drummond in a James Harden blockbuster after demanding a trade from Philadelphia in the off-season.