The Sixers will continue their 2017-18 regular season campaign on Tuesday night with a match-up against the Detroit Pistons. However, it sounds like the Sixers could be without the services of Ben Simmons, who is now listed as doubtful due to lower back tightness.
Sixers head coach Brett Brown gave an official update on Simmons' status after Tuesday morning's practice session.
“I'm listing him as doubtful,” Brown told The Inquirer following shootaround at Seaholm High School in Birmingham.
Ben Simmons left Saturday night's game against the Orlando Magic in the first quarter due to the tightness in his back and did not return. According to The Inquirer, he did not participate in Tuesday's practice. Instead, he received treatment and took part in rehabilitative stretching exorcises.
“I thought he played OK, but it was clear that something was going on,” Brown told ESPN after Saturday's game, referring to Simmons. “Despite that, I thought he was OK on the floor, and I just took him out and was informed that he wouldn't be coming back.”
Simmons has played well in the early stages of this season. In his three appearances with the Sixers, the former No. 1 overall pick has racked up averages of 12.0 points on 56.0 percent shooting from the field, 9.3 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks in 28.0 minutes per outing.
In Philly's season opener against the Boston Celtics, Simmons tallied 19 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists, four steals, and two blocks.
If Simmons is unable to play in Tuesday night's game, coach Brown has stated that Markelle Fultz will start at point guard.
Tuesday night's Sixers-Pistons game is scheduled to tip inside Little Caesars Arena at 7:00 p.m. EST with NBATV having live broadcast coverage.
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