Nets' Ben Simmons discusses injury, potential return in Game 4 vs. Celtics

"It's literally day to day," Simmons said Friday, via ESPN. "So I've had plenty of great days, which has been great for me in building up. So we're just trying to put those great days together and just keep building up to get back on the floor and play at that high level."

Simmons has missed more than two months due to a herniated disc in his back, which has greatly pushed back his debut since the Nets acquired him from the Philadelphia 76ers at the trade deadline. He hasn't played an NBA game since Game 7 vs. the Atlanta Hawks last postseason when Simmons was still with Philadelphia. Both Simmons and Nets head coach Steve Nash have been vague about giving a timeline about the three-time All-Star's return, but Friday's comments were a sign Simmons is eager to get back into games.

"If I could play right now, I'd be on the court," he said. "So it is what it is." 

Simmons has mostly stayed close-lipped about his ailments up to this point but shed a little insight into how much the herniated disc affected the rest of his body.

"When you have an injury like this, your whole leg is affected," Simmons said. "So it's going to take time to loosen these muscles and get back on the floor, but it's day-to-day. So it's treatment every day, pilates, workouts and just stay on top of it."

Game 3 between the Nets and Celtics takes place on Saturday, with Simmons' potential return in Game 4 on Monday.

Boston currently leads the first-round series 2-0.