The Philadelphia 76ers are being hit with the injury bug at the worst time right now. With the season coming down to the final stretch before the playoffs, the team is trying to figure out their rotation for the playoffs, but an injury to their All-Star point guard is throwing things out of whack.
Ben Simmons, who missed their Thursday win over the Brooklyn Nets with lower back tightness, returned and then left after less than five minutes against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. His absence really messed up a lot of the team’s rhythm as they trailed by as many as 25 in the loss.
He underwent an MRI on Sunday back in Philadelphia, but he will need further testing and he is out for Monday’s home matchup with the Atlanta Hawks.
After lower back injury on Saturday, Ben Simmons underwent initial evaluation in Philadelphia today and will undergo further testing tomorrow, league sources tell ESPN. He will be out for Monday's game vs. Atlanta.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 23, 2020
The Sixers do have a light week beginning with the Hawks on Monday before matchups with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks. Those are all games the Sixers should win despite not having Simmons out there.
Their next big game is March 1 against the Los Angeles Clippers on the road. Philadelphia should absolutely rest him as much as they can and be sure he’s ready for the big games. [lawrence-related id=26318,26311,26304,26297]