Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash has revealed Ben Simmons has a herniated disk in his back but he remains hopeful the trade deadline recruit will be able to make his debut this season.
The Nets face a tough trip to Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night and they are 4/6 to win in the Money Line, while the Grizzlies can be backed at 13/10.
Treatment needed post-trade
Simmons didn't feature for Philadelphia 76ers in the first half of the season after requesting a trade last summer, before joining Brooklyn in February.
The Australian guard is yet to make his debut for the Nets and initially his absence was attributed to a lack of match fitness and then back soreness.
Simmons had an epidural last week to alleviate pressure in his back and Nash has now revealed the 25-year-old has a herniated disk in his back.
The Nets only have 10 regular season games remaining and may well have to come through the play-in tournament if they are to reach the playoffs.
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No return date offered
Nash remains hopeful Simmons will be able to feature for his new team before the current campaign comes to a close but didn't offer any potential timescale on a return.
"He's had this a couple years ago, so he's had [herniated disks] throughout his career at some points," said Nash, via ESPN.
"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 disk or what not, but somewhere along the line there, that was the reason for the epidural."
He added: "I think he had months of five, six days a week on court and was doing very well [while waiting for a move away from Philly], so just unfortunate, but we stay the course. And hopefully [get] a good resolution to this in the near future."
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