Ben Simmons‘ progress in practice has set Game 4 vs. the Celtics as a “realistic target date” to make his season debut, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Simmons has been sidelined with a back issue since being acquired in the James Harden trade with the 76ers in February. But as we relayed earlier, he has advanced to contact and 4-on-4 play in practice recently.
Wojnarowski added that while Game 4 is the target, Game 3 has not been ruled out. Both games are back in Brooklyn.
Earlier reports also suggested Simmons may be available in either game, including one from The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
“There’s no other way than him to say, ‘I’m ready,'” Nets coach Steve Nash said after Wednesday’s shootaround. “Especially after an absence this long. So whenever he is ready, it’s going to have to be on him to say, ‘I feel comfortable. I feel ready to go. I want to play and I want to contribute.’
“We can’t push him places when you have been out this long. It’s got to be something where he is definitely comfortable and ready to play.”
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