Is Ben Simmons playing tonight? Exploring Nets guard's availability vs 76ers | 2024 NBA preseason

Ben Simmons won’t be in the lineup for the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers. Simmons, who had a solid outing in the Nets’ 131-92 hammering of the Washington Wizards on Monday, unlikely to start his third straight preseason game as the Nets seek their second straight win.

Simmons' availability is a good sign for the Nets after two seasons battling back and knee injuries. Before this month, the last time “Big Ben” saw action was in late February. Brooklyn shut him down for good as he struggled with back nerve impingement.

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Brooklyn Nets are carefully monitoring Ben Simmons’ minutes

In two preseason games, Ben Simmons has averaged 13 minutes per game. He looked out of sorts against the LA Clippers on Oct. 9 before bouncing back versus the Washington Wizards on Monday.

Simmons had stretches against the Wizards where he showed flashes of his All-Star self. Despite his performance, Nets coach Jordi Fernandez kept the forward’s leash short.

Simmons finished the game against the Wizards with 11 points, five rebounds and two assists. The three-time All-Star was a big reason why Kyle Kuzma struggled in the first quarter. When needed to help run the offense, the 6-foot-10 forward delivered.

The Nets will hope that he can finally shake off the injury bug this season to make an impact on the team.

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76ers will give Ben Simmons a good test

The Philadelphia 76ers will be without Joel Embiid and Paul George when they host the Brooklyn Nets, but the home team remains the favorite. Tyrese Maxey, Eric Gordon, Kelly Oubre Jr., Andre Drummond and rookie Jared McCain are no pushovers.

Simmons’ offense might still be catching up, but his defense looks ready. He will be tested against Philadelphia’s aggressive perimeter game, though. Nets coach Jordi Fernandez is expected to let Simmons spend some time guarding Maxey, the 76ers’ All-Star guard, so Simmons has a tall task ahead of him.