MEMPHIS — Ben Simmons’ recent injury first caused hysteria, then confusion. However, the Nets appear to have avoided the worst-case scenario of him being out for an extended period of time.
The Nets’ starting point guard is listed as questionable for Monday’s game against the Grizzlies due to soreness in his left foot.
That’s probably for the best after Simmons was ejected with 8:04 left in the third quarter in Saturday’s loss to Minnesota and did not return.
The leg pain particularly confirmed the team’s initial explanation.
Interim coach Kevin O’Ree told reporters that Simmons has a knee injury and will likely need some type of imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI.
“It’s a knee situation. We’re not clear on that yet. We’ll go back and have tests to make sure he’s okay. I don’t know what his plans are for Monday,” Ollie said, adding: Yes, he will definitely get it,” he added. [imaging]”
But both people close to Simmons and a team spokesperson said O’Ree simply misspoke.
Simmons’ knee is fine, he has not undergone imaging studies and has not yet been ruled out for the game against the Grizzlies. Most importantly, he appears to have avoided major or long-term injury.
Concerns about Simmons’ health are compounded by his background.
Frequent injuries have derailed a promising career from Simmons, a three-time All-Star.
He has played just 56 games with the Nets (14 this season) since being acquired at the trade deadline in 2022 at the expense of former MVP James Harden.
Most of the time he missed was due to a leg injury brought on by a herniated disc and the aforementioned back pain.
If Simmons is unavailable Monday, the burden at point guard will fall on Dennis Schroder, who has struggled since his strong debut with the Nets.
Schroder had 15 points, 12 assists, and just two turnovers in his first game in Brooklyn, defeating San Antonio by 20 points.
He went 3-of-5 from behind the arc and was plus-10 against the Spurs, but has yet to replicate that form.
In the four games since then, he has averaged just 6.5 points, two assists, and two turnovers.
Schroder is shooting just .256 percent overall, 4-of-16 from deep, as he tries to adjust to his new team and teammates with Ollie replacing Jacque Vaughn. , the total was minus 70.
“I mean, you’re a pro, right? One day at a time. There’s some variation here, but I’d like to see different results in the second half of the season as well,” Schroeder said. “So everyone is ready to step up and give a little more effort and make it a winning season. So I think everyone is ready for the challenge.”
Darik Whitehead is out with a stress reaction to his left shin, and Noah Clowney, Keon Johnson and Jalen Martin are all with G League Long Island.
Desmond Bane (left ankle), Brandon Clarke (left Achilles tendon), John Konchar (left thumb) and Ja Morant (right shoulder) will all play for Memphis.
Atlanta star Trae Young will miss at least four weeks due to surgery on his left hand. The Nets trail the Hawks by three games for the final play-in spot in the East.
