Nets' Kevin Durant on Ben Simmons' status vs. Celtics: 'I'm not expecting him to play'

With the Nets looking ahead to their series against the Boston Celtics, the question on every Brooklyn fan’s mind is whether Ben Simmons will finally suit up.

A source told SNY's Ian Begley that there's optimism regarding Simmons' chances to return against Boston. However, Kevin Durant is going into the series not giving it too much thought.

“No, I’m not expecting him to play,” Durant said after practice on Thursday. “That’s easier for me. I’m not putting any pressure on Ben to come out and hoop. I’m not expecting him to do anything except get his body right and get healthy as fast as he can. I’m preparing as if we’re playing with the team we have.”

Simmons, who was acquired in the blockbuster James Harden trade with the Philadelphia 76ers back in February, has yet to get on the court with his new teammates due to a back injury.

Coach Steve Nash said that Simmons is still doing individual workouts as he rehabs from his sore back and has yet to ramp up his activities to be ready to get on the court. While Simmons has attended practices and film sessions, he has yet to begin sprinting.

Simmons’ last NBA game was Game 7 of the Sixers and Atlanta Hawks series on June 20. The Nets and Celtics’ first round series will begin Sunday. If Simmons is able to appear in a game as soon as Game 4, that will take place on Monday, April 25.