Ben Simmons is not expected to make his Brooklyn Nets debut until at least after next week's play-in games, head coach Steve Nash announced Monday.
“It’s not like we’re expecting him in the lineup this week or next,” Nash said.
Asked directly if Simmons would miss the play-in game, Nash said after practice, according to the New York Post, “I would be shocked [if he played].”
Simmons has not played a game yet this season and most recently has been dealing with back irritation.
The Nets acquired Simmons as part of a blockbuster deal at February's trade deadline, with James Harden going back to the Philadelphia 76ers. The three-time All-Star averaged 14.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists for the 76ers in 2020-21.
Entering Monday, the Nets are 10th place in the Eastern Conference with a 40-38 record and seem destined for the play-in tournament, which features teams seven through 10 in each conference.
