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Nets' Ben Simmons to miss second night of back-to-back vs. Celtics
The Brooklyn Nets will continue to apply a precautionary approach to Ben Simmons' health and availability.
Jacque Vaughn announced in the aftermath of the Nets' 119-109 home defeat against the Celtics that Simmons wouldn't suit up on the team's second night of their back-to-back outing. Brooklyn will shortly play the C's once again on Wednesday night in Boston.
“He's not playing back-to-back. So he'll not playing tomorrow [against the Celtics],” Vaughn said in Thursday's postgame.
A much-needed temporary shelving
Simmons has no existing injury, but this move by the Nets isn't surprising, considering that his previous nerve impingement complication on his back required the utmost management. He notably missed 38 straight games from the said ailment this season.
The upcoming absence of the Aussie guard against the Celtics would mark the 43rd game that he'll be unavailable for the Nets. He might make a return to action for Brooklyn after the 2024 All-Star break on Feb. 22 against the Toronto Raptors.
In good progress toward full availability
Despite yet another inactivity due to his injury management, Ben remains in good spirits about his condition and ongoing grind through full availability for the Nets.
Simmons, who dropped five points, eight assists, and six rebounds in the Nets' losing effort against the Celtics, said that his physical wellness is promisingly trending back to normal.
“Definitely,” said Simmons. “Definitely. I’m getting there. Just ups and downs each day, but staying on the path.”
