Ben Simmons Listed as Out for Nets vs. Celtics Game 4 Amid Back Injury Rehab

According to The Athletic and Stadium's Shams Charania, Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons is out for Monday's Game 4 against the Boston Celtics as he continues to rehabilitate his back injury.

Simmons was expected to be ready for Game 4 as long as he was on course, so this is a surprise.

Both sides agreed that Simmons would miss the elimination game because of his sore back.

Simmons was planning to make his debut against the Celtics in Games 4, 5 or 6. Kevin Durant told reporters that he was going to play the entire series without Simmons.

Simmons hasn't played in an NBA game since the Philadelphia 76ers were eliminated from the playoffs. After Brooklyn acquired him in the deal that sent James Harden to Philadelphia, he was going to make his season debut, but was forced to sit out due to a back injury. He had a shot to address the pain.

A three-time All-Star, the Australian was expected to be a key part of Brooklyn's potential run to the NBA Finals. He seemed like a good fit with the other two. He wouldn't face the same amount of pressure as he did in Philadelphia, and he'd be able to focus on what he does best: defense and playmaking.

One of the best wing defenders in the NBA is an LSU graduate. The mismatch has always had a pass-first mentality and he is known for his distribution.

The Nets will continue to wonder what could have been. Brooklyn had a chance to win an NBA title this season, but it won't be able to compete against the elite teams in a seven-game series until all of its stars are on the floor together.