Report: Nets’ Ben Simmons expected to be available Saturday at 76ers

Brian Lewis of the New York Post reported Thursday that Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons is expected to be available on Saturday.

The Brooklyn Nets are looking to turn their season around so that they can have the best chance possible of making it back into the Eastern Conference playoff picture. While most of the news surrounding the Nets lately pertains to the Feb. 8 trade deadline, they do have some good news on the injury front.

Brian Lewis of the New York Post reported on Thursday that Ben Simmons, who missed Brooklyn’s 136-120 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday due to a left knee contusion, is expected to be available for Saturday’s matchup at the Philadelphia 76ers. Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn said prior to Wednesday’s loss that Simmons’ MRI revealed no structural damage in his knee and that he just had swelling on that knee.

Simmons suffered his knee contusion in Monday’s 147-114 win over the Utah Jazz after falling awkwardly following blocking Talen Horton-Tucker’s shot. Simmons was able to finish the game, but he was subsequently ruled out for Wednesday’s contest due to the swelling.

Simmons, 27, is averaging 7.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game while shooting 58.5% from the field. He has played just seven games this season mostly due to a nerve impingement in his lower left back that he suffered on Nov. 6 against the Milwaukee Bucks.

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