The progress of brooklyn network star Ben Simmons in fact this week – and predictions that it will accelerate further in the coming days – have made Game 4 on Monday a realistic target for his season debut, sources told ESPN. .
Simmons was not eliminated in Game 3 of the first round playoff series with Boston CelticsBut there are still many roadblocks Simmons will be required to resolve in a much shorter amount of time to get him ready to play in Saturday’s game in Brooklyn, sources told ESPN.
Simmons is recovering from a herniated disc in his lower back and has yet to play for the Nets Philadelphia 76ers this season.
Boston leads Brooklyn 1-0 in the best Eastern Conference series of the first seven. Game 2 takes place Wednesday night in Boston.
Simmons hasn’t played in an NBA game since last May after requesting a trade from the Sixers, citing mental health concerns. He was removed from contact on Monday and is engaged in some 4-on-4 work with teammates.
Nets coach Steve Nash said Simmons will practice more before Wednesday’s game.
Nash still galloping on a timeline for any potential profits for Simmons.
“There was no other way but for him to say, ‘I’m ready,'” Nash said after Wednesday’s raid. “Especially after such a long absence. So whenever he’s ready, he’s going to have to be there to say, ‘I’m comfortable. I feel ready to go.’ I want to play and I want to contribute.’
“We can’t push him to a place when you’ve been out for so long. It’s got to be something where he’s definitely comfortable and ready to play.”
Information from ESPN’s Nick Friedell was used in this report.
