Ben Simmons will sit out the Nets’ game against the Warriors on Monday due to injury maintenance for his lower back, according to Andrew Crane of the New York Post. Simmons is expected to return on Tuesday when the Nets host the Mavericks in the second game of a back-to-back. Simmons has appeared in two games since missing 38 consecutive contests due to a nerve impingement in his lower back.
We have more on the New York teams:
- Entering Monday’s game, the Nets had shown defensive improvement in recent weeks. They had the league’s eighth-best defensive rating (114.0) since Jan. 5. However, they were still only 5-8 during that stretch. “We’ve got guys who can play defense,” Simmons told Crane. “I think it’s a collective thing, and we can’t get lost in the offensive piece of it. I think when we play defense and we get stops, the offense is easy.”
- Injuries to Julius Randle, OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson and Quentin Grimes are starting to take a toll on the Knicks, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. It showed in the Saturday night loss to the Lakers, when they were outscored 33-19 in the fourth quarter and their nine-game winning streak was snapped. “We’re missing [Anunoby]. We’re missing his ability defensively, able to knock down shots,” wing Josh Hart said. “We’re missing [Randle], an All-Star for a very good reason, 25 [points] and nine [rebounds] every night. Quentin’s ability to space the floor. I don’t think we’re missing just one guy. We’re missing three big guys, and obviously, Mitch has been out for months. But you know, when you’re missing four key players, three of which are starters, it’s always tough.”
- Randle has started rehabbing from his dislocated right shoulder with the purpose of playing this season, Bondy reports in a separate story. He’ll be reevaluated in two or three weeks, but the early signs are positive. “You know his makeup. That’s what you love about the guy,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “It’ll be full bore. He’ll give it everything he has. … We’re gonna make sure he’s healthy before he gets out there. But we’re encouraged.”
When can Ben retire? He tried to come back. It’s not working. Hang em up.
Will admit, Ben Simmons does own a tiny bit of real estate in my head. As a lifelong sixer fan the cases of simmons and fultz will always be of interest to me.
Have had quite a few discussions of the next simmons contract. When you add in his talent, desire, outside life before and during his career, his bizzarro time with the sixers and his current status…the guy does have a place in the nba – just for whom and for what cost (both $ and team cohesion).
Simmons is probably on one year deals after this. Maybe a team option on a 2nd year. He’s far too risky to invest in long term. He’ll probably be a solid value for a team for one season if he can play even half the year and be available in the playoffs.
You 76ers fans let’s Simmons, Joel E, Saric, Noel and others sit out a year or more. Why didn’t you let Fultz heal or give any time to him? I thought you all treated him horrible then gave up. Ruined Okafor, MCW and others careers. Hollis Thompson and Covington say thanks though. Simmons is a weakling though. Mentally gave up. LeBron would of done the same but doesn’t put himself in those situations to look bad. Never guard the paint, no late free throw shots, stand at half court on defense, mo dunk contest and no clutch shots
What’s real estate market in your head like right now? How’s inflation affecting you?