National Basketball Association

Nets coach Jacque Vaughn: Ben Simmons 'probably' out for rest of season

Updated Mar. 25, 2023 7:03 p.m. ET

Brooklyn Nets forward Ben Simmons will likely miss the remainder of the season, head coach Jacque Vaughn told reporters Saturday.

The Nets announced Friday that Simmons has been diagnosed with a nerve impingement in his back.

Simmons, 26, has not suited up for Brooklyn since Feb. 15 due to both knee and back soreness.

His diagnosis followed extensive rehabilitation work on his knee following the All-Star break, including having fluid drained from the afflicted area, and a PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injection prior to the break. That treatment, however, was unsuccessful in solving his problems.

The soreness in Simmons' back, which has hampered him throughout the past few years, returned during his knee rehab, and an MRI revealed he had inflammation.

The three-time All-Star has appeared in 42 contests this season, averaging 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game while averaging 17 minutes a night. The Nets are currently seventh in the Eastern Conference standings, just a half-game back from the Miami Heat.

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