Ben Simmons’ absence for the Brooklyn Nets is set to extend for several more weeks.
The Nets on Sunday morning (all times AEDT) confirmed Simmons has had an epidural injection to assist in his recovery from a nerve impingement in the lower left side of his lower back, with the Aussie star to be re-evaluated in two weeks.
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“As part of his planned rehab, Ben Simmons received an epidural injection to aid in the overall recovery in his lower back and continues to improve,” the Nets said.
“Simmons will continue with treatment and strengthening exercises while gradually increasing basketball activity. His status will next be updated in approximately two weeks.”
Simmons has been out since early November with what was originally described as “left hip soreness” before it was determined a nerve impingement in his lower back was causing the issue.
The 27-year old has a history of lower back issues dating back to his days in Philadelphia including a heavily restricted 2022/23 campaign for Brooklyn. He was shut down after the All-Star Break last season due to a nerve impingement in his back, having already missed 33 games before then with knee and back issues.
Nets coach Jacque Vaughn prior to Sunday’s clash with Orlando played down the update, ensuring Simmons hadn’t suffered any sort of setback and that it was simply part of his recovery process.
Vaughn also revealed Simmons has done “low-level” on-court work, though not with any of his teammates.
“The epidural happened within the course of this week here,” Vaughn said, per ESPN.
“It was just a part of his getting back to playing, and that is a part of his treatment, a part of his strengthening that was just a part of his getting back to a position of joining us. No setbacks.
“Right now he is still doing low-level stuff on the court. So no rebounding drills, no sprinting up the floor. Then, in two weeks, you’ll continue to strengthen it and we’ll have something hopefully for you then.”
Simmons has committed to representing Australia on the international stage for the first time at the Paris Olympics next year, but injuries have held him back from donning the green and gold in the past.
The three-time All-Star has played six games this season, averaging 6.5 points, 10.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists for the 9-9 Nets, who have battled injuries to several key stars.