Ben Simmons given epidural, will miss at least two more weeks

Ben Simmons received an epidural injection for his lower back and will be reevaluated in about two weeks, tweets Brian Lewis of The New York Post. 

A statement from the Nets said Simmons’ condition is improving and he will “continue with treatment and strengthening exercises while gradually increasing his basketball activity.”

Coach Jacque Vaughn told reporters before Saturday's game that Simmons was given the epidural this week and he still isn’t able to run at full speed, per Tim Bontemps of ESPN.

Simmons has been sidelined since Nov. 6 due to a nerve impingement in his lower left back. He had been dealing with similar issues for the past three years, and back pain played a role in limiting him to 42 games last season.

Simmons proclaimed himself fully healthy this summer and he got off to a strong start before the injury flared up. In the six games he played, he averaged 6.5 points, 10.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists while looking more mobile and explosive than he has for some time.

Brooklyn has managed to tread water without Simmons, sitting in a tie for ninth in the East at 9-9. The Nets have six games scheduled over the next two weeks, including Saturday's contest with Orlando, and the soonest Simmons might return is Dec. 16 at Golden State.