The most recent replace for Ben Simmons’ ongoing restoration doesn’t sound any extra promising for the Nets.
Simmons underwent an MRI examination that exposed again irritation, head coach Jacque Vaughn mentioned Sunday.
The guard — who hasn’t performed because the All-Star break and had his minutes dip previous to the break — stays day-to-day, however there’s no concrete timetable for his return.
“We would like Ben again when he’s able to being again for us,” Vaughn mentioned forward of the Nets’ 102-86 win in opposition to the Hornets on Sunday. “The day-to-day factor, that’s only for me to say some time period to you guys.
“When the again will get higher, and when the knee will get higher, then he’ll be with us.”
Whereas Vaughn added he needs that second to reach as quickly as potential, he additionally acknowledged there’s a have to maintain the 26-year-old and guarantee these two lingering accidents have healed.
Vaughn reiterated Friday that the crew has no plans — and has had “zero” conversations — to close Simmons down for the season.
Simmons’ newest rash of accidents started along with his sore left knee.
A strengthening program that began following the All-Star break didn’t instantly assist, and that’s additionally when he began showing on the damage report for a number of causes as again soreness started.
The latest six-game absence, bringing his season-long complete to 22, has saved Simmons from returning to the lineup and attempt to enhance his 2022-23 numbers which have dipped to six.9 factors and 6.1 assists per recreation — each of that are career-lows.
“We’re kinda day-to-day,” Vaughn mentioned, “however that’s what we’re managing together with making an attempt to strengthen that knee.”
Cam Johnson briefly exited the sport within the second quarter after getting knocked within the face and coping with a bloody nostril.
Trainers walked out to take a look at him, and he tried each free throws — a results of the foul name being upgraded to a flagrant — earlier than strolling down the tunnel towards the Nets’ locker room.
He returned, although, and mentioned postgame that he was superb.
“Robust,” Vaughn mentioned. “Little blood. Get it wiped up, and get again in there. Like it. Like it.”
Charlotte’s 86 factors tied for the second-fewest the Nets have allowed this season. They restricted Washington to 86 on Nov. 4, and 5 days later, Brooklyn held the Knicks to 85.
The Nets’ 5 turnovers on Sunday tied for his or her fewest in a recreation this season, together with a Feb. 1 recreation in opposition to Boston.
Yuta Watanabe, who was listed as questionable for Sunday’s recreation with again soreness, performed six minutes.
Simmons and Edmond Sumner had been the 2 Nets unavailable.
