Ben Simmons ruled out of Nets' NBA clash with Phoenix after sustaining a knee contusion
The Brooklyn Nets have ruled out Australian guard Ben Simmons for their NBA clash against the Phoenix Suns with a knee contusion.
Simmons developed swelling in his knee after taking a hit during Monday night’s 147-114 victory over the Utah Jazz, which marked his return from a 12-week, 38-game absence due to lower-back problems.
Coach Jacque Vaughn said Simmons had swelling in his left knee, preventing him playing against Phoenix on Wednesday (Thursday AEDT).
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The No.1 pick in the 2016 draft hadn’t played since November 6 because of a pinched nerve in his lower back before returning on Monday with 10 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench.
Simmons hit all the right notes against the Jazz.
“It took a lot of effort and patience and time to get back to where I’m at now,” Simmons said after that game.
“Every single day, every morning ... I’m working to get back on the floor.
“For me, and everyone that has seen that and seen my discipline over the last two months, it’s great to see it pay off.”
Simmons, 27, is averaging 7.0 points, 10.4 rebounds and 7.3 assists in seven games (six starts) so far this season.
