Ben Simmons is reportedly set to make his season debut on Monday when the Nets take on the Celtics for Game 4 in Brooklyn as long as his rehab remains on course, per Shams Charania.
Brooklyn Nets three-time All-Star Ben Simmons plans to make his season debut in Game 4 vs. Boston on Monday as long as rehab remains on course, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Simmons is set to play his first game since June 2021.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 21, 2022
Simmons hadn’t played since June 2021, when the Philadelphia 76ers lost to the Atlanta Hawks in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The LSU product hasn’t played due to a holdout with Sixers management, a battle with mental health, and a lower back injury he’s been dealing with since being traded from Philly at the trade deadline.
The good news follows reports that Simmons was cleared for contact after playing some 4-on-4 drills on Monday, which led to further reports that he was targeting Games 3 or 4 for his return to the Nets’ lineup.
When Simmons last played, he averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game during the 2020-21 campaign.