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The Brooklyn Nets trail the Boston Celtics 0-1 after one game in the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs. Seth Curry and Andre Drummond have been key contributors as two of the starting five this postseason. However, their Philadelphia 76ers trade-mate Ben Simmons has yet to log any minutes with the Nets.
Recently, Simmons' progression towards a season debut has amplified, and he will likely be available within the next week or so. Now, the guard is expected to take the court for the Nets vs. Celtics Game 4.
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted the news Wednesday afternoon.
Based on Ben Simmons’ progress in practices this week – and the anticipation of him further accelerating in the coming days – Game 4 vs. Boston on Monday is looming as a realistic target for his Brooklyn debut, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 20, 2022
According to Woj, Game 4 is the most “realistic” return date for the Nets guard. He added that Game 3 hasn't been ruled out yet, but it's a lot less likely.
Game 3 hasn’t been fully ruled out yet, but that would require Simmons to clear more hurdles in a much shorter window of time, sources said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 20, 2022
Simmons hasn't played a lick of NBA basketball since June 20, 2021. It was then that his former team, the Sixers, was eliminated in Game 7 of the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs by the Atlanta Hawks.
According to Nets head coach Steve Nash, Simmons participated in his first day of contact practice on Monday. Simmons' involvement in four on four is a huge milestone in his return to the game day court.
Despite the optimism, the Nets still have to play at least, likely two games without Simmons. They take on the Celtics for Game 2 of the first-round series Wednesday night in Boston.
