Nets’ Ben Simmons Out With Leg Injury vs. Anthony Edwards, T-Wolves

Erin WalshFebruary 25, 2024

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Brooklyn Nets point guard Ben Simmons can’t seem to catch a break.

The 27-year-old was ruled out of Saturday’s matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter due to leg soreness, per Brian Lewis of the New York Post.

Simmons notched four points, nine rebounds and one assist in 15 minutes before exiting.

Simmons hasn’t been able to stay healthy for much of his NBA career.

The 2016 first overall pick missed the entire 2016-17 season with a foot injury and also missed the 2021-22 campaign due to a back ailment.

Simmons was limited to just 42 games during the 2022-23 season due to a nerve impingement in his back and Saturday’s game against the Timberwolves was just his 14th game of the 2023-24 campaign.

The three-time All-Star has dealt with a pinched nerve in his lower back this season and was sidelined for three months between November and the end of January because of the injury. He has also missed time with a knee ailment.

Simmons hasn’t been very effective when he’s in the lineup, and it’s fair to question whether the Nets are better off when he’s sidelined. At this point, it’s also fair to question whether he’ll be able to return to his All-Star form.

Simmons entered Saturday’s game averaging just 6.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists while shooting 59.1 percent from the floor.

If Simmons misses any time, the Nets will continue to rely on Lonnie Walker IV, Dennis Smith Jr. and Dennis Schröder alongside Cam Thomas, Mikal Bridges, Dorian Finney-Smith and Nic Claxton.

Brooklyn entered Saturday’s game sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 21-34 record.