Mar 29, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets injured guard Ben Simmons (10) holds a basketball during a timeout during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Barclays Center. The Nets defeated the Pistons 130-123. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Nets' Ben Simmons will not play in Game 4 against Celtics

Originally posted on Hoops Rumors | By Alex Kirschenbaum | Last updated 4/24/22

Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons will not make his 2021-22 season debut in Game 4 of Brooklyn’s first-round series against the Boston Celtics, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Nets are listing Ben Simmons as OUT for Game 4 vs. Celtics. A surprise as Simmons had been expected to play Monday as long as rehab was on course.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 24, 2022

It had been assumed Simmons would suit up for the Nets tomorrow, provided his recovery from a herniated disc in his back did not face any setbacks.

Boston currently leads the series 3-0. No team in NBA playoff history has managed to recover from that level of deficit.

Simmons had been trying to make a comeback in time to help his new team in the postseason. After getting an epidural to treat his back in March, Simmons had finally taken part in his first 4-on-4 scrimmage this week.

ESPN Sources: The Nets and Ben Simmons expected he would be ready to play on Monday, but after getting on the court yesterday Simmons says he awoke with back soreness today. In the end, the team and Simmons agreed he'll remain out for Game 4.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 24, 2022