The Brooklyn Nets keep saying they're hopeful that Ben Simmons will return to the court this season, but time is running out on the regular season and Simmons is no closer to making his Nets' debut.
Prior to Monday's game against the Utah Jazz, head coach Steve Nash admitted that Simmons has a herniated disk in his back, and he has received an epidural shot for it.
"He's had this a couple of years ago, so he's had [herniated disks] throughout his career at some points," Nash said. "And I guess there was a flare-up. I'm not sure when they recognized it was beyond a back flare-up and a herniated disc or what not, but somewhere along the line there, that was the reason for the epidural."
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Nash couldn't say how much the epidural would help with Simmon's flare-up.
"There was some relief, but I don't know how much or if it's a total success," he said.
Steve Nash confirms that Ben Simmons is dealing with a herniated disc, which was the reason for his epidural
— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) March 21, 2022
The Nets are still optimistic that Simmons will suit up this season pic.twitter.com/Wb1STdICy0
Nash added that last week Simmons had an MRI on his back and that he is "optimistic" that Simmons will be able to make a return this season.
"I don't think it changes the outcome necessarily," Nash said. "We still have high hopes that he can come back. He's had moments during his rehab where he's on the court doing some things and it looks like he's about to turn a corner, and then there's a little setback. So I still feel optimistic that he can play for us."
The Nets had been targeting the game with the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, Mar. 18 as a potential return date for Simmons, but that has been pushed back indefinitely due to setbacks in his rehab.
There is no timeline on a return for Simmons. However on Saturday, Yes Network sideline reporter Michael Grady reported that Simmons received an epidural and is no longer experiencing pain in his legs. A positive sign for both Simmons and the Nets.
After Monday's game against the Jazz, the Nets have ten games remaining in the regular season before the Play-In games begin.
