Sixers news: Philly suffers scare with Ben Simmons ahead of game vs. Hawks

Ben Simmons has made 79 appearances with the Sixers this season, averaging 16.0 points on 54.7 percent shooting from the field, 8.2 assists, 8.1 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and just under one block (0.8) in 33.9 minutes per game.

For their second-to-last game of the 2017-18 NBA season, the Philadelphia 76ers have made their way to the Peach State for a matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. However, it sounds like Philly could be without the services of rookie sensation Ben Simmons, according to a report from Molly Sullivan of NBC Sports.

Sullivan notes that Simmons did not participate in Tuesday morning's practice session due to a case of gastroenteritis, which leaves his status in question.

Ben Simmons did not participate in shootaround…he has gastroenteritis and is currently getting fluids at the hotel. Questionable for tonight in Atlanta

— Molly Sullivan (@MollySullivanLV) April 10, 2018

Without a doubt, Simmons has played a key role in Philadelphia's turnaround. The former No. 1 overall pick (2016) has made 79 appearances with the Sixers this season, averaging 16.0 points on 54.7 percent shooting from the field, 8.2 assists, 8.1 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and just under one block (0.8) in 33.9 minutes per game.

Simmons racked up 16 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists in the Sixers' 109-97 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.

With just two games remaining on their regular season schedule, the Sixers have won 14 straight, tying a franchise record from 1983 (Dec. 21-Jan. 21). Remarkably, Simmons has managed to average a triple-double over that span.

“We are growing a culture,” Sixers head coach Brett Brown told ESPN following Sunday's win. “And, oh by the way, we've won 50 games and we have home-court advantage and we've tied a record. That's true. But that is never really what's most on my mind.”

Though they were in “trust the process” mode for quite some time, the Sixers seem to be well on their way.

“This shows how far we've come this season,” Simmons recently told ESPN. “Everyone was putting us lower than expected. I think we pushed through the times. We had a tough start with the teams we've played. I think we got better over time.”

If Simmons is unable to play in Tuesday night's game, Markelle Fultz and T.J. McConnell will likely see their usage rates increase.