Nets have 'optimism' Ben Simmons could play first round of playoffs: report

The Nets have some "optimism" that Ben Simmons could be available to play by the first round of the playoffs, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. 

Simmons, who hasn't played all season, continues to progress from his back injury that's been keep him out since being traded to the Nets from the Philadelphia 76ers. And although his workload has increased, head coach Steve Nash said he still has to check more boxes.

“He’s doing a little bit of movement,” said head coach Steve Nash. “Still 1-on-0 stuff. He’s still got a lot of milestones to reach, but it’s positive.”

The Nets guard/forward looked much looser on the floor in the video seen above. However, with just one game left in the regular season, Simmons has yet to progress to any sort of contact drills.

With the lack of progression, it should be considered miraculous for the former All-Star to suit up in a meaningful game for the Nets this season. But this report would say otherwise, so we'll eventually see how quickly the Nets ramp him up.

The Nets play their final regular season game on Sunday against the Pacers. After these final games, the Nets will know exactly what they'll have to do in the play-in tournament later this week to make that first round bid.