Just as the Nets were starting to find a bit of a groove, they have been hit with another injury.
All-Star guard Ben Simmons has suffered a left calf strain that is expected to sideline him for a few games. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft had already missed five games this season due to a left knee injury, and that appears to have had an impact on his calf.
The injury comes at an inopportune time as Simmons was playing his best basketball of the season, averaging 13.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.2 blocks over his last five games.
How long with the Nets be without Simmons? Here is everything we know about the injury below.
SIGN UP TO WATCH EVERY GAME ON NBA LEAGUE PASS: U.S. and U.K. | All other countries
What is Ben Simmons' injury?
Simmons is dealing with a left lateral upper calf strain. The All-Star guard appeared to have suffered the injury on Nov. 28 during the Nets' game against the Magic, leaving the contest during the second quarter.
After the game, Brooklyn head coach Jacque Vaughn said Simmons asked to be removed from the game with discomfort.
"He had some left knee soreness, that same knee. Asked to be pulled out of the game. We'll check him day by day, see how he responds with a little treatment, see what it looks like (on Tuesday)."
MORE: Who is leading the NBA MVP race through first quarter of 2022-23 season?
His left knee injury appears to have affected his left calf, as Simmons is expected to be sidelined for a few games.
How long will Ben Simmons be out?
According to ESPN's Nick Friedell, Simmons will miss "at least the next three games and will be reassessed after that."
Nets say Ben Simmons has been diagnosed with a left lateral upper calf strain. He will miss at least the next three games and will be reassessed after that.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) November 30, 2022
Nets schedule 2022-23
Here are Brooklyn's next 10 games of the 2022-23 regular season:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 30 | vs. Wizards | 7:30 p.m. |
| Dec. 2 | vs. Raptors | 7:30 p.m. |
| Dec. 4 | vs. Celtics | 6 p.m. |
| Dec. 7 | vs. Hornets | 7:30 p.m. |
| Dec. 9 | vs. Hawks | 7:30 p.m. |
| Dec. 10 | at Pacers | 7 p.m. |
| Dec. 12 | at Wizards | 7 p.m. |
| Dec. 16 | at Raptors | 7:30 p.m. |
| Dec. 18 | at Pistons | 6 p.m. |
| Dec. 21 | vs. Warriors | 7:30 p.m. |
