Back Issue Likely To Keep Nets’ Ben Simmons Out Of Entire Postseason

Nets newcomer Ben Simmons is likely to miss the entire postseason with a herniated disc in his lower spine, as relayed by Brian Lewis of the New York Post.

Simmons has already been ruled out for the play-in tournament, though with the likes of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Nets are still considered strong favorites for the East’s No. 7 seed.

The hope for now on Simmons is that he’ll be able to avoid surgery during the offseason.

“It looks like he’s doing a little bit better,” a league source told Lewis. “You know, it’s just a timing thing. The problem is the season is running out. But he’s doing [more]. He’s starting to do a little bit more movement, AlterG (an anti-gravity treadmill), stuff like that. So … we’ve got to be patient with it. I don’t think he’ll need a procedure, though. But you’ve just got to be patient with it.”

Simmons hasn’t played all season after seeking a trade from the 76ers. He got his wish in February as part of the James Harden trade with the Nets.

Durant told reporters there’s no pressure for Simmons to return if he’s not feeling right.

“He’s doing good,” Durant said. “He looks good as far as just walking around and being around the team. Haven’t seen him do anything on the basketball court as much, but a couple walk-through things.

“But I think his spirits are in the right place and he’s excited to be a part of the group and [we’re] looking forward to having him out on the floor. I definitely don’t want him to rush back for us and his back is not right, so take all the time he needs to get his body right. And once he’s out there, we’re ready to rock and roll.”