By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The Brooklyn Nets, as well as everybody following the NBA playoffs, were expecting Ben Simmons to make his debut season in Game 4 against the Boston Celtics. However, that will not happen as, according to Adrian Wojnarowski, the player reported the return of back soreness and will remain out.
“After approximately 10 days of pain-free ramp up following recovery from a herniated disc, Simmons’ admission at the team practice facility was met with surprise and disappointment,” the report states. “On the brink of a sweep to the Celtics, the Nets had hoped Simmons would be in uniform and active with the hope of coach Steve Nash using him in limited minutes, sources said.”
After a close Game 1 that went to Boston in the final seconds, the Nets fairly quickly found themselves down 3-0 and on the very verge of a sweep.
Their offensive struggles have been evident and Kevin Durant has yet to take over a game as he is capable to do. In Game 3, both Durant and Kyrie Irving finished with 16 points while Jayson Tatum alone banked in 39 for the Celtics.
The team hasn’t been able to find a working formula and were clinging to the hopes of Simmons’ return despite the 25-year-old actually going without an official game since June last year. He also didn’t have any scrimmage experience with the first unit of the Nets.
The three-time All-Star will have three years and $114 million left on his contract beginning with next season.