When Will Ben Simmons Play For Nets? Updated Status For NBA ...

When the Nets acquired Ben Simmons from the 76ers back at the trade deadline, the hope was that he would be in game shape by the start of the 2022 NBA Playoffs.

Those plans were put on hold shortly after the Nets received Simmons from the 76ers back in February, as it was reported that he was dealing with back soreness during his reconditioning process. One month later, Nets head coach Steve Nash revealed that Simmons had a herniated disk in his back and received an epidural in order to relieve the pain.

Simmons has yet to take the court this season and after missing the first three games of the series, and the Nets trailing the Celtics 3-0, his return is looking improbable.

Here is the latest on when Simmons could suit up for the first time in this series.

MORE: How long is Devin Booker out?

When will Ben Simmons return for the Nets?

On April 14, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that Simmons was targeting Games 4, 5 or 6 of Brooklyn's first-round matchup with Boston to make his Nets debut.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski has since reported that Game 4 is looking like "a realistic target for his Brooklyn debut" based on how he's progressed in practices, but Nash said ahead of Game 3 that the team still hasn't "penciled in" Simmons' return for a particular time.

Steve Nash said the Nets haven’t penciled in Ben Simmons’s return for any particular time: “I don’t think we’re targeting any game. … I think he’s got a long ways to go before he feels ready to play.”

— Jay King (@ByJayKing) April 20, 2022

On Thursday, April 21, The Athletic's Shams Charania reported that Simmons is planning to make his debut in Game 4 provided there are no setbacks in his rehab.

Brooklyn Nets three-time All-Star Ben Simmons plans to make his season debut in Game 4 vs. Boston on Monday as long as rehab remains on course, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Simmons is set to play his first game since June 2021.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 21, 2022

Wojnarowski also reported that Simmons plans to play in Game 4 barring setbacks, but after the Celtics jumped out to a 3-0 series lead, it appears the Nets have adjusted that plan.

Simmons is officially listed as "out" for Game 4 on Monday, meaning there is a chance we do not see the All-Star guard this season.

Ben Simmons is out for Game 4, Nets say

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) April 24, 2022

According to Wojnarowski, Simmons woke up with back soreness the day after getting some on-court work in before Game 3.

Game 4 (April 25) and Game 6 (April 29) are scheduled to be played in Brooklyn, while Game 5 (April 27) is scheduled to take place in Boston (if the Nets can extend the series beyond Game 4).

The last time Simmons played was Philadelphia's Game 7 loss to Atlanta on June 20, 2021.

Celtics vs. Nets schedule, TV channels

Brooklyn will host Games 3 and 4 of the first-round series. If necessary, the Celtics would host Games 5 and 7, while the Nets would host Game 6.

(All times Eastern)

*If necessary

Bold Ben Simmons potential season debut