Is Nets' Ben Simmons playing tonight vs. Bucks?

Ananth Pandian

Is Nets' Ben Simmons playing tonight vs. Bucks? image

Kyrie Irving may be back for the Brooklyn Nets but Ben Simmons remains sidelined with a back injury.

The 25-year-old guard has not played in a single game this season and according to Nets coach Steve Nash, Simmons hasn't made much progress since joining the Nets at the trade deadline in February. 

MORE: Watch NBA games live with Sling TV (U.S. only)

Without Simmons, the Nets have not been at full strength and able to see how he fits in a Big 3-type lineup with Irving and All-Star forward Kevin Durant. On paper, Simmons should be a great fit next to Irving and Durant as his defensive prowess and playmaking ability would mesh well with the two Brooklyn superstars. But due to Simmons' lingering back injury, the Nets just have to continue to play the waiting game.

The Nets could use Simmons especially since they are battling to clinch a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament. Brooklyn is currently in eight place in the Eastern Conference and have just six more games left on their regular season schedule. 

The Nets are two games back of the Cavaliers and just a half-game up on the Hornets. After losing the head-to-head season series, the Nets need to stay ahead of the Hornets if they want to hold on to eighth and assure themselves of two chances to make the playoffs via the Play-In Tournament. Brooklyn can pull within one game of Cleveland with a win vs. Milwaukee and a loss by the Cavaliers who are playing on the second night of a back-to-back in Atlanta.

Will Ben Simmons play on Thursday, March 31 vs. the Bucks?

Is Ben Simmons playing tonight?

No.

In fact based on Nash's pregame press conference on Tuesday, it doesn't sound like Simmons will be making his Nets debut anytime soon.

With just six games left for the Nets, it remains to be seen if Simmons will even play a single game this regular season. 

When will Ben Simmons play?

There is no timetable for a return. 

What channel is Nets vs. Bucks on? 

  • TV channel (USA): TNT
  • TV channel (Brooklyn): YES Network
  • TV channel (Milwaukee): N/A
  • TV channel (Canada): Sportsnet

In the United States, Nets vs. Bucks will air nationally on TNT. Viewers in Canada can watch Nets. vs. Bucks on Sportsnet.

Nets vs. Bucks start time

  • Date: Thursday, March 31
  • Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | 4:30 p.m. PT

Nets vs. Bucks is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday. The game will tip off shortly after the scheduled start time.

Nets remaining schedule 2021-22

Date Opponent Time National TV
March 31 vs. Bucks 7:30 p.m. TNT
April 2 at Hawks 7:30 p.m. NBA TV
April 5 vs. Rockets 7:30 p.m.
April 6 at Knicks 7:30 p.m. ESPN
April 8 vs. Cavaliers 7:30 p.m.
April 10 vs. Pacers TBD

Ananth Pandian

Ananth Pandian Photo

Ananth Pandian is a seasoned marketer and copywriter with over a decade of experience working for premium brands and publishers like Nike, SLAM, and CBS Sports. Prior to plying his trade as a wordsmith, he grew up in a farmhouse, surrounded by the woods, fields, and a creek. Ananth has spent much of his life outdoors, and is excited to guide you through his never-ending list of the best products to keep you from falling to the perils of nature. Nowadays, there is rarely a weekend that goes by where Ananth isn't out camping, hiking, or just back on his parents' farm.