There is growing optimism in the Brooklyn Nets that Ben Simmons could make his debut for the team at some point in the first round of the playoffs. Now, the question is, when can fans realistically expect him to play?

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Simmons is having a pain-free progress that has raised hopes up of a potential return in the playoffs. The Australian guard has already been ruled out for the play-in tournament, so the Nets have to get over that first. But if they do make it, Simmons could possibly suit up as early as Game 3–though he could be limited to 10-15 minutes per game to start with.

Per Woj:

Simmons has been ruled out of the NBA's play-in tournament, and sources believe that Games 1 and 2 of an Eastern Conference playoff series would be too soon to expect Simmons to be ready to make his debut.

There is still no guarantee that Ben Simmons will play for the Nets in the playoffs. After all, it was just recently rumored that he suffered a setback with a herniated L-4 disc. This development has led many to believe that it is unlikely for the former Philadelphia 76ers guard to feature for Brooklyn at any point in the campaign. It's too risky anyway.

“After first holding out while with the Philadelphia 76ers, citing mental health issues, Simmons then suffered a back injury while ramping up to play in the wake of engineering a blockbuster trade to Brooklyn on Feb. 10. As a result, Simmons hasn’t played a second this season, and as he now deals with a herniated L-4 disc, a league source acknowledged it’s looking unlikely he will at this point,” Brian Lewis of the New York Post wrote.

However, there have also been moments when it looked like Simmons could be ready to go. Simmons was recently spotted working out with the Nets, shooting the ball and appearing to be practicing with contact–which is a positive step for him given how much he struggled in getting back to game shape.

Ben Simmons' return, even on a limited capacity, will surely be a huge boost to the Nets. If they make the playoffs and survive the first round with Simmons playing sparingly, they could become a deadlier opponent in the second round. After all, Ben could very well be in good shape at that point if he were to play in the opening match-up.

There are a ton of “What ifs” here and the Nets can't really focus on the playoffs until they make it. Having Simmons would be great, but they know they have to focus on the main task at hand first, and that is actually securing their playoff berth.

Kevin Durant and co. won their Sunday showdown with the Indiana Pacers, 134-126, allowing them to secure the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. That's exactly where they want to be in the play-in since it gives them homecourt advantage and two chances to make the playoffs.

They will be facing the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first game of the play-in for the battle for the seventh seed. The Nets move on to the playoffs if they win, but if not, they'll be hosting the winner of the other playoff battle between the Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta Hawks.