Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons has missed the last four games with the flu. In that period, the Sixers have lost all four games since his absence. Before Saturday afternoon’s matchup against Milwaukee, Sixers head coach Doc Rivers explained that he is not certain when Simmons will return to the lineup.
It was reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey that Simmons’ illness is not COVID-related. Doc Rivers has further explained that he believes Simmons only has the flu and no other illnesses.
“If it was [contagious] then the team would be in protocol,” he said. “So the NBA always does the contact tracing and all that stuff, and we’re good there.”
Rivers has spoken to Simmons on the daily, asking how he feels and any progress on his health. He did not want to pressure Simmons by discussing any specified return date.
Simmons has continued to be one of the leading factors for Philadelphia. Like his co-star, Joel Embiid has continued to be in the MVP race, Simmons has had an all-star caliber year with his leadership on both ends. Simmons currently averages 14.8 points per game along with 7.6 rebounds and 7.1 assists. The Sixers have been the number one seed in the East for most of the season. But in the midst of this Simmons-less four-game skid, the team has dropped behind the Brooklyn Nets as the second seed.
The Philadelphia 76ers look to get back on the right track with their next matchup Monday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Facing a team that is currently on a 13-game losing streak, the Sixers are getting a much needed gimme to get their groove back. It has not been announced whether Embiid and Simmons will be available for Monday night’s game.
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