NBA: Prior to Monday’s game against the Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash stated that he expects Kevin Durant to return to the court this week. After missing almost 20 games due to a sprained MCL in his left knee.
Nash ruled Durant out of Tuesday’s game against Toronto. But indicated he’ll be back in time to play the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Sunday, March 6. The Nets coach also discussed Ben Simmons’ schedule for making his season debut, although he is further away than Durant.
“Kevin is almost there. We’re hoping he’ll be able to play this week. He won’t play tonight or tomorrow, but we’re hoping for Thursday or Sunday “According to Coach Nash. “Kevin is getting closer and closer, which is wonderful”.
“Ben [Simmons] is still dealing with a number of issues and reconditioning, so he won’t be able to play this week, but we’ll keep working on his schedule and maybe he’ll be able to advance as well.”
Steve Nash stated before undergoing health and safety regulations that he anticipated Durant to return either against the Heat or three days later in Boston. Before facing the Raptors, Durant’s assistant Jacque Vaughn reaffirmed that he is still on schedule.
When Durant went down, the Nets were 27-15 (.643) and second in the Eastern Conference (sixth in the NBA). After Tuesday’s 109-108 loss to the Raptors, they were only 5-16 (.250) in his absence since Jan 16.
NBA: Ben Simmons Season-Debut Timeline
Simmons is coming closer to making his season debut, according to Nash. He stated that he is presently not approved for high-intensity practices. Simmons is undergoing physical treatment for back pain and reconditioning.
“He’s only doing light shooting and physical rehabilitation. Just making sure he receives his money back in full. Just a minor flare-up. While he’s shooting, he has reconditioning work that he can perform “Nash stated.
Meanwhile, despite the fact that New York City Mayor Eric Adams lifted the Key2NYC vaccination obligation, Kyrie Irving is not scheduled to play home games at Barclays Center.
Ben Simmons hasn’t played in an NBA game since the Philadelphia 76ers’ playoff season ended in June. While initial reports following his trade to Brooklyn indicated that Simmons was remaining in basketball form, the timing for his eventual Nets debut remains unknown.
Shortly after the deal, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne speculated that Simmons would be out for many weeks, but general manager Sean Marks informed fans and reporters at an All-Star break event that both Durant and Simmons might return as soon as this week.
