UPDATE: Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that Simmons does indeed plan on making his debut for game four, with the Nets in desperate need of a momentum shift.
Ben Simmons began taking contact in Nets practice for the first time on Monday, and now, a potential return to action on game four this coming Monday is seen as a “realistic target.”
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, there is “anticipation” of Simmons continuing to accelerate his intensity in practice this week, which could put him in line to make his Brooklyn debut in game four of the team’s first-round series with the Celtics, a likely pivotal postseason game.
Simmons, up until Monday, hadn’t done any practicing with teammates since being acquired in the James Harden trade back in February, as he injured his back while doing reconditioning work. He hasn’t played since last year’s playoffs with the 76ers.
Per Wojnarowski, game three hasn’t been “fully ruled out” for Simmons to make his arrival, but it would take a lot for that to happen. Previous reports from before the series began said that Simmons hoped to be back between games four and six of this first-round series with Boston.
The Celtics currently lead the series 1-0 after a thrilling buzzer-beater by Jayson Tatum, and that final possession showed that Brooklyn could sure use Simmons’ defensive talents if it is to survive this first round.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch