The Brooklyn Nets have a problem on their hands concerning their new point-guard, Ben Simmons, who was acquired from Philadelphia in the James Harden trade.
On Thursday, March 10, the Nets and Sixers will be playing each other for the first time since the deal was made at the trade deadline.
While Harden is off to a good start in Philadelphia, there’s still some doubt surrounding Simmons, who is not expected to be available to play in the matchup between Philly in Brooklyn, with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski saying that there is “no chance” Simmons will be on the court for that game.
There's "no chance" Ben Simmons plays in the Nets-76ers matchup on March 10, per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/v0QfyDViLU
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 6, 2022
Bad News
This is not good news for the Nets, who already went on an epic losing skid earlier this season and sit at ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 32-33 record.
In order to regain their footing, the Nets will need to have their roster at full strength.
Simmons is obviously not hurt, but still holds disdain for the 76ers for allegedly not utilizing his potential and is afraid of being booed when he returns to Philadelphia
Without Simmons, they are now in a perilous position as they prepare for their matchup against Philadelphia, who sit at 39-24 and are second in the Eastern Conference.
The Nets are struggling to stay in playoff position.
They are currently 3-7 in their previous 10 games, and the Wizards and Hawks are right up on their tails.
For Nets fans, this is also a big problem.
Simmons being afraid of being booed doesn’t exactly win him any support with the fans.
If anything, fans may lose respect for him as a result of this, and that is not a good look for somebody who just joined their team.
NEXT: Kyrie Irving Still Feels The Hate In Boston