Ben Simmons unavailable with back soreness ahead of Nets' potential elimination game / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: AFP – Scanpix Credit AFP – Scanpix

All signs appeared to be leading to Ben Simmons making his season andBrooklyn Nets debut in Game 4 against the Boston Celtics. However, the Australian has been listed as unavailable for Monday's outing.

Brooklyn Nets / Schedule

Boston Celtics Brooklyn Nets114-107 Brooklyn Nets Boston Celtics103-109 Brooklyn Nets Boston CelticsMon23:00

Simmons played 4-on-4 on Monday for the first time since the Nets acquired him at the trade deadline, and head coach Steve Nash indicated that the player was able to take contact without any issues.

But apparently Simmons woke up with back soreness Sunday morning after going through a workout prior to Game 3 on Saturday, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, who wrote that "after approximately 10 days of pain-free ramp up following recovery from a herniated disc, Simmons' admission at the team practice facility was met with surprise and disappointment. On the brink of a sweep to the Celtics, the Nets had hoped Simmons would be in uniform and active with the hope of coach Steve Nash using him in limited minutes."

Speaking about the possibility of stepping on the floor in Game 4 in Brooklyn, Simmons seemed optimistic that he can give a lot to his team. He commented that he has realized the way his new team is playing and is looking forward to becoming part of the effort.

"It is a good challenge. But now I'm looking forward to it. Especially playing with these guys. My IQ is high enough to play with Irving, Seth Curry and Durant. I was just watching them. I know how they play. I know how they want to play", Simmons commented.

"I think we will be fine. There are some things in defense where I need to focus, and I think I can have a lot of influence on the floor and helping my teammates as a leader on this side of the pitch", the forward concluded.

Simmons, 25, is a three-time All-Star over his four NBA seasons, scoring 15.9 points with 8.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists in 275 career games, all starts with the 76ers. He was the No. 1 overall draft pick by the Sixers out of LSU in 2016.

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