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- The Nets are preparing for the NBA Playoffs as they’ve locked in a postseason berth
- Brooklyn hopes that Ben Simmons can return at some point in a potential championship run
- Read more NBA news here
The regular season in the NBA is on its last leg.
The playoff picture is all but complete as teams prepare for a postseason run. One of those teams is the Brooklyn Nets, who have locked in a spot in the play-in round.
Kevin Durant and Co. were able to knock off a midseason slump to finish the year in playoff contention. Despite landing at 7th in the East, the Nets could be a team that’s undervalued this postseason. A team that was long considered the NBA title favorite is finally getting closer to full strength.
Kyrie Irving will be allowed to play in Brooklyn’s postseason home games after the lifting of the New York City mandate that kept him on the sidelines for the majority of the Nets’ contests at the Barclays Center.
And there could be more help on the way.
Ben Simmons was seen running some drills with the team over the weekend, and many are hoping it signals a return to the court.
Working on the weekend. pic.twitter.com/VSOY7Ivf0e
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) April 10, 2022
While he won’t be available for the play-in round, fans are hopeful that he can make his Brooklyn debut at some point in the playoffs.
Head coach Steve Nash says the forward still has some hurdles to clear before he sees the court, but the recent footage certainly has folks talking.
Steve Nash on Ben Simmons: "He's doing a little bit of movement, still 1-on-0 stuff. He's still got a lot of milestones to hit."
— Matt Brooks (@MattBrooksNBA) April 10, 2022
NBA World Reacts To Ben Simmons News
Not only was Simmons seen taking the floor at practice, but he got some pregame drills in before Sunday’s season finale.
It’s the most he’s done on the court since his being traded to the Nets.
Ben Simmons getting work in pregame, for the first time. No dynamic movements but it’s a big step. Previously he just threw passes to Patty. pic.twitter.com/CDAoyD2zPk
— Michael Grady (@Grady) April 10, 2022
Obviously, there is still a ways to go, but the Nets are reportedly hoping to have Simmons available for the first round of the playoffs.
Sources: There’a optimism Nets star Ben Simmons could make debut during first round of the NBA playoffs as long as his progression continues in strengthening his legs and back. Simmons has been ramping up his workload and is expected to continue doing so.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 10, 2022
If that does come to fruition, Brooklyn could be a lot more dangerous than their No. 7 seed suggests.