MEMPHIS — Ben Simmons’ newest harm prompted first hysteria, then confusion. However the Nets seem to have averted a worst-case state of affairs and prolonged absence.
The Nets’ start line guard is listed as questionable for Monday’s sport towards the Grizzlies with left leg soreness.
That’s seemingly the absolute best consequence after Simmons had been compelled out of Saturday’s loss in Minnesota with 8:04 left within the third quarter and didn’t return.
Leg soreness notably confirms the workforce’s preliminary description.
Interim coach Kevin Ollie had instructed reporters that Simmons had a knee harm and would require some form of imaging as properly — e.g. X-rays, MRIs, and so forth.
“It’s a knee state of affairs. We don’t have any readability on it but. We’ll return and get some exams and ensure he’s OK. I don’t know his availability for Monday,” Ollie had stated, including “Sure, he will certainly get [imaging].”
However each a supply near Simmons and a workforce spokesman stated Ollie merely misspoke.
Simmons’ knee is okay, he acquired no imaging and has but to be dominated out towards the Grizzlies. Most significantly, he appears to have ducked any main or prolonged harm.
Any well being scare to Simmons is magnified on account of his historical past.
The oft-injured Simmons is a three-time All-Star who has seen his promising profession sidetracked.
He has performed simply 56 video games for the Nets — 14 this season — since being acquired on the 2022 commerce deadline at the price of former MVP James Harden.
Most of that missed time is because of a herniated disc, and leg accidents introduced on by these aforementioned again woes.
If Simmons can’t go Monday, the purpose guard burden would fall to Dennis Schröder, who has struggled since his robust Nets debut.
Schröder had 15 factors, 12 assists, and simply two turnovers in his first tilt with Brooklyn, main a 20-point rout of San Antonio.
He shot 3 of 5 from behind the arc, and was a plus-10 towards the Spurs, however has but to duplicate that kind.
![Nets guard Ben Simmons loses control of the basketball as Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson defends during the first half.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/loses-control-basketball-minnesota-timberwolves-77140038.jpg?w=1024)
Within the 4 video games since then he’s averaged simply 6.5 factors, two assists and two turnovers.
Schröder has shot simply .256 p.c total and 4 of 16 from deep, an combination minus-70 as he tries to regulate to a brand new workforce and teammates, in addition to Ollie changing Jacque Vaughn.
“I imply, being an expert, ? Sooner or later at a time. We’ve acquired some change right here, however we wish to have totally different outcomes as properly within the second half of the season,” stated Schröder. “So everyone’s able to step up, to offer slightly bit extra and to make it a profitable season. So I feel everyone’s prepared for the problem.”
Dariq Whitehead is out with a left shin stress response, whereas Noah Clowney, Keon Johnson and Jaylen Martin are all with G-League Lengthy Island.
Desmond Bane (left ankle), Brandon Clarke (left Achilles), John Konchar (left thumb) and Ja Morant (proper shoulder) are all out for Memphis.
Atlanta star Trae Younger will miss no less than 4 weeks with surgical procedure on his left hand. The Nets path the Hawks by three video games for the ultimate play-in spot within the East.