MINNEAPOLIS — The Nets lost the game and lost Ben Simmons.
Also.
Brooklyn’s starting point guard suffered a foot injury in Saturday’s 101-86 loss to Minnesota and did not return.
His status is unknown.
“No, it’s a knee situation. We’re not clear on that yet. We’ll go back and get tested and make sure he’s okay. We don’t know if he’ll be able to participate on Monday,” the interim coach said. Kevin O’Ree said, initially suggesting Simmons would also undergo imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI.
A team spokesperson later revealed that Simmons was experiencing pain in his left foot.
Simmons was forced to leave the game with an injury with 8 minutes and 4 seconds left in the third quarter. He was ruled out of the rest of the night’s match.
Simmons declined to comment after the game.
There are concerns about Simmons’ injury.
He has played just 56 games with the Nets since being acquired at the 2022 trade deadline 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.
Cam Johnson has been removed from the Nets’ starting lineup. And it was clearly not a one-off, as he came off the bench for the second consecutive game against the Timberwolves on Saturday.
“It’s just a matter of understanding what we have, making sure we have the right guys on the court that want to play with us and start the game, and then figure it out,” O’Ree said. . “I told C.J. to bring that power off the bench, take the shot he has, understand his role and embrace his role.
“And the role will definitely change as we go through this event. The role will change. Nothing is permanent. But I hope he accepts his role on his team and goes out there.” We want them to come and play their best. And I think we’ll get that from CJ and understand that we’ve got to take things as a team and focus on that.”
Prior to the past two games, Johnson’s only substitute appearance this season was in the final game before the All-Star break, due to limited minutes after missing the past four games with an adductor injury. .
However, this is a different situation and is not based on restrictions.
“No. That’s not something I know of,” Johnson said under the impression that it was more about Ollie testing different lineups. “I think so. Come up with a combination of them.”
This is Johnson’s first time as a reserve since the 2021-22 season with Phoenix. And then there’s the adjustment.
“It’s a work in progress,” Johnson said. “I’m just trying to figure it out. I’m trying to think about what’s best for the team and help us win.”
Johnson, who just signed a four-year, $94.5 million extension, struggled off the bench in Thursday night’s loss to Toronto, making O’Ree’s interim manager debut. He scored just six points, shooting 1-of-7 overall and 0-of-6 from 3-point range.
In Saturday’s game at Minnesota, he had 10 points and seven rebounds in 22 minutes.
“It’s just a matter of finding that rhythm,” Johnson said. “We all have routines, and I think routines are important in a long season like this. So find what works for you, find a way to control your emotions, and have the energy to go into the game. It’s about finding out.” Both sides are a little different. So, like I said, it’s a work in progress. ”
O’Ree admitted things could change and Johnson could earn a starting spot.
“Yeah. Just looking at the lineup we have now and understanding the process we’re going through and evaluating it every day,” O’Ree said. “And we want to get better every day. And all of our players, not just the starters and players on the bench, understand what we’re going through and be super in their roles.” You’re going to have to figure out how to be a star and figure it out.”
