Where is Ben Simmons? Why Nets guard won't play against 76ers in 2023 NBA Playoffs first round series

When the Nets face the 76ers in the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, a familiar face will be missing.

Not only are Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant no longer on the Nets, but former 76ers star Ben Simmons has been sidelined for the last couple of months with a pair of injuries.

The No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Simmons started his career with the 76ers. He blossomed into a star in Philadelphia, earning three All-Star selections and an All-NBA selection over four seasons. The Nets acquired Simmons during the 2021-22 season after he requested a trade.

Here's more on why Simmons won't face the 76ers in the first round of the playoffs.

MORE: Sixers vs. Nets series odds, picks, predictions, props

Why isn't Ben Simmons playing in Nets vs. 76ers series?

Simmons hasn't played since Brooklyn's win over Miami on Feb. 15, 2023.

Simmons was originally listed on the injury report with left knee soreness, but Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn revealed in early March that he experienced back soreness in the process of strengthening his knee. Simmons was later listed on the injury report with a nerve impingement in his back.

On March 28, Vaughn announced that Simmons would be sidelined for the rest of the season.

"Ben will not be joining us the rest of the year and through the playoffs," Vaughn said. "After consulting with our doctors, multiple specialists, he's just going to begin a rehab program. Our doctors and the specialists feel and think that he'll have a full recovery so that starts now."

Simmons appeared in 42 games in his first season with the Nets, 33 of which he started in. He averaged career lows of 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game.

How long is Ben Simmons out?

It's unclear when Simmons will be able to return, but Vaughn said the team doesn't expect him to need surgery in the offseason.

Simmons underwent surgery on his lower back to "address pain located in a herniated disk" following the 2021-22 season, which required three to four months of rehabilitation. He appeared in Brooklyn's season opener for 2022-23, finishing with four points, five rebounds and five assists in 23 minutes of play.

Ben Simmons contract details

Simmons signed a five-year, $170 million extension with the 76ers in 2019. His deal does not include a player or team option, so he will be an unrestricted free agent following the 2024-25 season.

Nets vs. 76ers series schedule

The 76ers finished with the third-best record in the Eastern Conference this season, giving them homecourt advantage in the first round against the Nets.

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