Nets' Ben Simmons Cleared for Contact Amid Back Injury Rehab; Won't Play in Game 2

Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash told reporters Tuesday that point guard Ben Simmons has been cleared for contact while he rehabilitates from a back injury.

Simmons did four-on-four work on Monday, according to Nash. Simmons will not play in the second game of the Nets first-round playoff series against the Celtics.

Simmons hasn't played in a game since June 20, 2021, when he played for the Philadelphia 76ers in their season-ending second-round playoff loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

Simmons was traded from the 76ers to the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster deal that sent James Harden back to the 76ers.

Simmons took some shots at the other players at practice.

Nick Friedell @NickFriedell

First time we’ve seen this — KD, Kyrie and Simmons all getting some shots up at the same time after practice. pic.twitter.com/n1QZLeXXBt

The Celtics beat the Nets 115-114 in the first game of the playoffs.

Nick Friedell @NickFriedell

Ben Simmons has been getting some dribbling exercises in here pregame for the last 20 minutes or so. These last few pregames it feels like he's been coming out early to try and get a feel for what it's like to be on an NBA floor again.

The New York Daily News provided more of Nash's insight on Simmons recent work.

Kristian Winfield #NFTAllStar @Krisplashed

Ben Simmons did 4 on 4 yesterday and scripting—“5 on 0, running thru the plays”—today. Yesterday was Simmons’ first day of contact when he played with some teammates. Asked how Simmons’ back reacted to the contact, Nash said: “So far so good. He managed yesterdays activity well.”

Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic reported that Simmons was going to come back sometime between Games 3-6.

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania

Sources: Nets three-time All-Star Ben Simmons is targeting a return within Games 4-6 (April 25-29) of first round series vs. Celtics.

Discussing Simmons and more on @Stadium NBA Playoff Preview Show: https://t.co/bEFYKs2ObS

The Celtics won the series opener on a buzzer-beating layup by Jayson Tatum. Game 2 will be on Wednesday. At the Garden.