Ben Simmons Facing Backlash From NBA Fans For Missing 76ers Game

Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons was ruled out for Wednesday's game.

Nov 30, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets injured guard Ben Simmons (10) watches from the bench during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

On Wednesday evening, the Brooklyn Nets are playing the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center for their third preseason game.

For the game, the Nets are without one of their best players, as Ben Simmons has been ruled out.

Via Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer: "Nets guard/forward Ben Simmons is not playing tonight vs. the Sixers."

Nets guard/forward Ben Simmons is not playing tonight vs. the Sixers.

— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) October 16, 2024

Simmons notably played four seasons for the 76ers, so a lot of fans reacted on social media.

@Beardaknowledge: "Of course he won't be playing... bc Ben Simmons doesn't actually ever play"

Of course he won't be playing... bc Ben Simmons doesn't actually ever play https://t.co/GjIFXOrlq8

— Phil Stiefel (@Beardaknowledge) October 16, 2024

Kevin O'Connor: "Least surprising thing ever"

Least surprising thing ever

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) October 16, 2024

@whristan1: "We’ve never seen a player this soft"

We’ve never seen a player this soft

— whristan (@whristan1) October 16, 2024

@LonzoMuse2: "Ben Simmons is a clown"

Ben Simmons is a clown

— Lonzo Muse (@LonzoMuse2) October 16, 2024

@iam_johnw: "Ben Simmons was talking about a revenge tour now that he’s healthy this year Just to duck a preseason game in Philly lmao"

Ben Simmons was talking about a revenge tour now that he’s healthy this year Just to duck a preseason game in Philly lmao https://t.co/bGgFDbTPwF

— John (@iam_johnw) October 16, 2024

@30problemz: "Soft"

Soft

— 30🅿️roblemz (@30problemz) October 16, 2024

@RedickGotNext: "Ducking Philly even in the preseason??"

Ducking Philly even in the preseason?? pic.twitter.com/fHSDvRjElE

— 𝙹𝙹 𝚁𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝙼𝚞𝚜𝚎⁶𓅓 (@RedickGotNext) October 16, 2024

@MattyMike0718: "And in other news, grass is green."

And in other news, grass is green. https://t.co/XKKHB9RJXD

— Matt Michaels (@MattyMike0718) October 16, 2024

The Nets have gone 1-1 in their first two preseason games against the Los Angeles Clippers and Washington Wizards.

Simmons finished Monday's 131-92 victory over the Wizards with 11 points, five rebounds and two assists while shooting 5/7 from the field in only 13 minutes of playing time.

Oct 14, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets point guard Ben Simmons (10) dribbles toward the basket against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images / Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

The Nets will play their first regular season game on October 23 when they visit the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena.

Simmons is coming off a year where he had averages of 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists per contest while shooting 58.1% from the field in 15 games (12 starts).