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The Brooklyn Nets have managed to tread water successfully with Kevin Durant still sidelined, but head into Saturday’s showdown against the New York Knicks hoping to snap a two-game losing skid. Ben Simmons left the team’s last contest with knee soreness. Here’s a look at his status for Saturday’s rivalry game.
Ben Simmons injury updates
Saturday afternoon update: Shortly after Woj reported on Simmons being unlikely to play, the Nets have formally ruled the guard out for Saturday’s game against the Knicks.
Saturday afternoon update: According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Simmons is unlikely to play against the Knicks due to lingering knee soreness.
Brooklyn's Ben Simmons (left knee soreness) is expected to be out vs. the Knicks today (ABC, 5:30 PM ET), sources tell ESPN. Simmons left the Nets' loss to Detroit on Thursday night with that knee soreness.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 28, 2023
Simmons is officially listed as questionable for this game. His knee injury has flared up from time to time this season, and this seems like a pain management issue rather than a bigger physical ailment. He played just 20 minutes in Brooklyn’s last game, and there’s a chance the team limits his minutes Saturday.
If Simmons is limited or doesn’t suit up, Brooklyn’s peripheral players like Nic Claxton, Joe Harris and Royce O’Neale will gain some value in fantasy/DFS lineups. Kyrie Irving remains the unquestioned top option in this offense with Durant sidelined.