Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons has yet to see the court with his new team. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Nets HC Steve Nash rules out Ben Simmons for Game 2 vs. Celtics, noncommittal on Game 3

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 4/19/22

The Brooklyn Nets lost a heartbreaker in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics. Aside from the heads-up drive and dish from Marcus Smart, and the heroics of Jayson Tatum, much of the postgame headlines were dedicated to the hostile back-and-forth between Kyrie Irving and the Boston faithful.

Irving's flipping of the bird was back in the spotlight on Tuesday, as the star point guard was handed a $50,000 fine for making "obscene gestures towards Celtics fans. The bottom line entering Game 2 on Wednesday though, is that the Nets are facing a 1-0 series deficit.

One other controversial, big name in Brooklyn who will likely remain in the spotlight for as long as the team sticks around in the 2022 postseason is Ben Simmons. The exiled former Philadelphia 76er has yet to make his Nets debut and his availability for the rest of the series against Boston appears to still be very much up in the air.

Steve Nash says Ben Simmons has been cleared for contact. He got some 4-on-4 work in yesterday. Nash said he came through it well.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) April 19, 2022

Nash said Simmons would not play in Game 2. When asked about possibility of Game 3, Nash was non-committal — saying this is such a unique situation with how much time Simmons has missed they are waiting to see how his back responds over next few days before deciding next steps.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) April 19, 2022

Last week, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that Simmons could be ready to play in his first game with Irving, Kevin Durant and company as early as Game 4 against Tatum, Smart and crew. Wednesday will mark exactly 10 months since the Australian three-time All-Star has taken the court for an NBA contest.

Simmons' last NBA contest was Game 7 of the Philadelphia's shocking second-round playoff exit against the Atlanta Hawks last spring.

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