Brooklyn and Ben Simmons avoided further injury setbacks.
Simmons was injured late in Wednesday’s loss to Phoenix, raising concerns about another long layoff, sources told The Post. He is expected to be available for the match against the 76ers.
Simmons missed nearly three months (38 straight games) with a pinched nerve in his lower back before making a spectacular comeback against Utah on Monday. He had a triple-double with 10 points on 5-of-5 shooting, 11 assists and eight rebounds.
However, Simmons checked out after an awkward fall while trying to block Talen Horton-Tucker’s layup attempt late in the game. He was listed as having a possible knee contusion, but was downgraded Wednesday afternoon and ended up with a scratch.
Simmons underwent an MRI scan Wednesday morning, which showed no injuries. The 27-year-old suffered mild swelling in his knee but did not require drainage. Team officials said he took anti-inflammatories, which helped him and allowed him to run at the pace he needed.
The Nets will practice at the HSS Training Center before heading to Philadelphia on Friday.
It’s easy to see why Simmons’ recent injury is a concern. Besides the fact that the 6-foot-10, 240-pound size is desperately needed with starting power forward Dorian Finney-Smith and backup center Dayron Sharpe both sidelined, fans are concerned about his own health. He also criticized his history.
Simmons missed the entire 2021-22 season due to mental health issues and back pain. He underwent microdiscectomy at Cedars-Sinai Marina Del Rey Hospital in Los Angeles on May 5, 2022, but spent last season struggling or being sidelined entirely.
Last season, he stopped playing in mid-February due to nerve compression. Simmons has appeared in just 49 games since joining Brooklyn, but only seven this season.
But those seven were his most effective in a Nets uniform, averaging 10.4 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 7 points. Monday was by far his best, posting an impressive plus-27 in just 18 minutes to lead the rout and teasing what kind of impact he could have on Brooklyn.
If the Nets can keep him healthy.
