Inside The Nets

Ben Simmons avoids serious knee damage, poised to make return vs. 76ers

MRI displayed no significant damage in Ben's knee.

Peter Sunjic

© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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After inflicting unwanted anxiety around the Brooklyn Nets, Ben Simmons is all geared up to play again.

Sources informed Brian Lewis of the New York Post that Simmons (knee) is poised to make his return to the lineup on Saturday against the Philadelphia 76ers.

“Sources told The Post that Simmons is expected to be available for Saturday’s tilt in Philadelphia against his former 76ers squad after his late scratch from Wednesday’s loss to Phoenix raised alarms of another lengthy layoff.”

An alarming knee injury for Ben

In his return after over a two-month layoff from the nerve impingement of his lower back, Ben came out with a bang last Monday for the Nets. Simmons didn't show any injury rust as he strongly rolled with an all-around performance of 10 points on 5-for-5 shooting with 11 assists and eight rebounds to power Brooklyn's 147-114 romp against the Utah Jazz.

But in the process of his strong comeback game for the Nets, Ben tweaked his left knee due to an awkward landing upon blocking Talen Horton-Tucker‘s shot with around three minutes left in regulation. Because of this, he wasn't able to play last Wednesday against the Phoenix Suns with a knee contusion.

According to Lewis, Simmons took an MRI in which there was no significant damage. The 27-year-old experienced swelling in his knee, but an anti-inflammatory intake ultimately helped his full recovery.

“Simmons had an MRI exam Wednesday morning, which revealed no damage. The 27-year-old suffered modest swelling in the knee, but it didn’t require draining. A team source said he took an anti-inflammatory which kicked in, allowing him to put himself through all the necessary paces.”

A much-needed boost

His weekend availability against the 76ers holds a massive significance for Ben as this would mark another time of play for him in front of Philly fans in the Wells Fargo Center after the considerable drama they shared last 2021-22 season. Nevertheless, his presence couldn't be more needed as the Nets are looking to build momentum and winning ways with him finally back.

Last Monday's spectacular show against the Jazz proved to be an important demonstration of how special Simmons is for the Nets. Regardless of the hurdles, inconsistencies, and injury history, the three-time All-Star will always remain an x-factor with his playmaking, defense, and all-around wonders.

With Ben set to be back, Nets World can finally take a sigh of relief and hope for the better that he'll be able to remain healthy and produce impressive numbers which can help Brooklyn’s season recovery.

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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