Nets’ Ben Simmons confirms no Game 3 return but 'hopeful' for Game 4

The major return of the James Harden deal with the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this season was bringing Ben Simmons to the Nets.

Even knowing Simmons would need time to ramp back up to playing shape, the team was still hoping to get the guard back for the final week of the regular season to have him ready for the playoffs. but that hasn’t happened either, at least not yet.

“I feel close,” Simmons said after practice on Friday, "It's not an easy injury to get back... but it's a work in progress and I'm working hard every day to get back on the floor as soon as possible. "

Regarding reports of his possible return, Simmons said it's a "day-to-day" thing but is “hopeful” that he’ll return during the Nets’ first round-series against the Boston Celtics. However, when asked directly if he’ll return for Game 3 on Saturday, Simmons said “probably not” but getting on the floor on Monday is different.

“I think it’s reasonable to think that,” Simmons said of being ready for Game 4. “But it’s day-by-day. I can't tell you definitely Game 4, Game 3. If I could play I would, but it is what it is.”

Simmons, who hasn’t played a game since last June, experienced a series of setbacks that would delay his Nets debut, mostly due to some nagging back issues.

The former All-Star confirmed he has had two or three scrimmages already and everything is okay so far. He’ll have another on Saturday and if all goes well it looks he’ll be ready for Game 4.

“Body-wise, once I’m ready I want to help this team win. That’s what I’m here for. It is what it is. I have to get on the floor and help this team win,” Simmons said. “I was traded to the Brooklyn Nets and that’s what they need me to do. That’s my focus right now.”

Despite not getting on the floor with his teammates, Simmons is confident he’ll gel with them once it’s game time.

“I think it’ll be fine, personally. There’s some things on defense where I think I can make an impact whether it’s just in terms of being vocal and helping my teammates and being a leader on that side of the court,” Simmons explained. “On offense I like to get out and push the ball. We have guys who like to run and shoot the ball a lot. I’m looking forward to that aspect and playing with a team that wants to run.”

Getting Simmons in the deal was supposed to improve the Nets’ defense and help the Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving-led squad to a deep playoff run. So far, none of that has taken place and the Nets, already down 2-0 in the series, could be down 3-0 once Simmons eventually makes his return.

“It’s tough for me. I want to be on the floor and playing. When you have an injury like this you have to be cautious and not just push yourself,” Simmons said. “You have two good days and try not to push yourself and have a setback. I’ve had this type of injury before, I’ve been aware of what I need to do and be on top of it. I need to be positive and stay focused.”

When Monday comes around will it be too late for the Nets? We’ll soon find out.