MEMPHIS — Ben Simmons’ latest injury prompted first hysteria, then confusion. But the Nets appear to have averted a worst-case scenario and lengthy absence.
The Nets’ starting point guard is listed as questionable for Monday’s game against the Grizzlies with left leg soreness.
That is likely the best possible outcome after Simmons had been forced out of Saturday’s loss in Minnesota with 8:04 left in the third quarter and didn’t return.
Leg soreness notably confirms the team’s initial description.
Interim coach Kevin Ollie had told reporters that Simmons had a knee injury and would require some sort of imaging as well — e.g. X-rays, MRIs, etc.
“It’s a knee situation. We don’t have any clarity on it yet. We’ll go back and get some tests and make sure he’s OK. I don’t know his availability for Monday,” Ollie had said, adding “Yes, he will definitely get [imaging].”
But both a source close to Simmons and a team spokesman said Ollie merely misspoke.
Simmons’ knee is fine, he got no imaging and has yet to be ruled out against the Grizzlies. Most importantly, he seems to have ducked any major or lengthy injury.
Any health scare to Simmons is magnified due to his history.
The oft-injured Simmons is a three-time All-Star who has seen his promising career sidetracked.
He has played just 56 games for the Nets — 14 this season — since being acquired at the 2022 trade deadline at the cost of former MVP James Harden.
Most of that missed time is due to a herniated disc, and leg injuries brought on by those aforementioned back woes.
If Simmons can’t go Monday, the point guard burden would fall to Dennis Schröder, who has struggled since his strong Nets debut.
Schröder had 15 points, 12 assists, and just two turnovers in his first tilt with Brooklyn, leading a 20-point rout of San Antonio.
He shot 3 of 5 from behind the arc, and was a plus-10 against the Spurs, but has yet to replicate that form.
In the four games since then he’s averaged just 6.5 points, two assists and two turnovers.
Schröder has shot just .256 percent overall and 4 of 16 from deep, an aggregate minus-70 as he tries to adjust to a new team and teammates, as well as Ollie replacing Jacque Vaughn.
“I mean, being a professional, you know? One day at a time. We’ve got some change here, but we want to have different results as well in the second half of the season,” said Schröder. “So everybody’s ready to step up, to give a little bit more and to make it a winning season. So I think everybody’s ready for the challenge.”
Dariq Whitehead is out with a left shin stress reaction, while Noah Clowney, Keon Johnson and Jaylen Martin are all with G-League Long Island.
Desmond Bane (left ankle), Brandon Clarke (left Achilles), John Konchar (left thumb) and Ja Morant (right shoulder) are all out for Memphis.
Atlanta star Trae Young will miss at least four weeks with surgery on his left hand. The Nets trail the Hawks by three games for the final play-in spot in the East.
