Sources: Some Nets who've seen Ben Simmons see his return during series with Celtics as a possibility

Some Nets players who have seen Ben Simmons see his return during the team's playoff series against the Boston Celtics as a possibility, sources have told SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley.

Simmons has been running and shooting in practice without pain for over a week, and he's expected to take the next steps towards his return by going against teammates on the practice floor in the coming week, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

A source told Begley on Thursday that "there's optimism" around Simmons' potential return as long as he does not suffer any setbacks in workouts.

“As long as he’s on the court every day, there’s (optimism),” the source said.

Although, star teammate Kevin Durant said after practice on Thursday that he doesn't expect Simmons to play against the Celtics, and hopes he can get back to full health soon.

“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 has been dealing with a back injury since the Nets acquired the three-time All-Star  from the Philadelphia 76ers in the James Harden trade at the deadline.

He has not played in an NBA game since the Sixers' loss to the Atlanta Hawks in the second round of the 2021 playoffs on June 20, 2021.