Is Ben Simmons playing tonight against Washington Wizards? Latest on the 3x All-Star’s status for preseason game (Oct. 14)

Ben Simmons is available to play for the Brooklyn Nets on Monday against the Washington Wizards. The three-time All-Star suited up for his team’s debut on Oct. 8 versus the LA Clippers and moved well. After playing just 15 games last season, new Nets coach Jordi Fernandez told reporters on media day that the three-time All-Star is finally healthy.

Fernandez added that the Nets would ease his load despite the green light to play this season. Since Brooklyn has not played for roughly a week, the former Philadelphia 76ers star is ready to take the court with his teammates.

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What happened to Ben Simmons?

Before Simmons’ preseason game against the Clippers, the last time he saw action with the Brooklyn Nets was late December last year. He played 14 minutes in his team’s 111-86 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. The Australian finished with four points, six rebounds and three assists.

“Big Ben” sat out the next game due to never impingement in his lower back. In March, the Nets decided to shut him down for the season. Simmons’ agent, Bernie Lee, per NBA insider Ian Begley, said that the point forward needed to see a specialist to solve his back problems.

Ben Simmons looked healthy in training camp, but basketball fans are holding their judgment until he plays more games. They have been through this route before and don’t want to see him have another injury-plagued season. The Nets have said that Simmons is healthy but would manage his workload to start the season.

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Ben Simmons underwhelmed against Clippers

Jordi Fernandez had Simmons in the starting lineup with Dorian Finney-Smith, Cam Johnson, Dennis Schroder and Cam Thomas. Among the starters, “Big Ben” played the fewest minutes and was the worst in that quintet with a net rating of -7.

Simmons’ only basket came during a pick-and-roll play in the second quarter. He went 1 for 5 and hardly even looked to shoot the ball. The Australian did have an impact on the game with his playmaking and defense. Fernandez and basketball fans are interested to see if he can do better on Monday against the Washington Wizards.