Ben Simmons out for Nets vs. Suns with left knee contusion
Nets guard Ben Simmons waits to enter the game in the first half against the Jazz at Barclays Center on Monday. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Ben Simmons’ return was short-lived as he missed Wednesday’s Nets game against the Suns with a left knee contusion.
The Nets announced Simmons' absence just over three hours before tipoff. Coach Jacque Vaughn said that Simmons had swelling in his knee after landing awkwardly following a block with 3:32 remaining in the fourth quarter of Monday’s win over the Jazz.
Simmons stayed down for a bit, but got up and went to the opposing free-throw line. The Nets subbed him out shortly after.
“He’ll be day-to-day going forward,” Vaughn said pregame. “Had an MRI. No structural damage, which was good.”
Simmons was listed as probable on Tuesday’s injury report but was downgraded to questionable Wednesday after shootaround. Vaughn said the change was made after Simmons reported how he was feeling to the team.
It’s the latest setback for Simmons, who had 10 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds in his first game since Nov. 6. He missed the previous 38 games after being diagnosed with a nerve impingement in his lower left back.
Simmons dealt with left knee soreness last season related to issues he had following back surgery in May 2022. He ultimately was shut down for the season because of a nerve impingement in a different area of his back.
Wednesday marks the 40th game Simmons missed this season. It’s another setback for someone has played in just 49 games since the Nets traded for him in February 2022 and has another year remaining on his contract.
Vaughn, however, remained optimistic that Simmons would be healthy enough to be a significant contributor this season.
“If I ask our guys to keep hoping and be resilient, then I have to be the same way. So that's where we are,” Vaughn said. “I thoroughly do believe that Ben will play consistent minutes for us. I have to keep that belief, and you saw the impact that he has on our team when he plays. It was evident and clear as day.”
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
