Ben Simmons will return to the Brooklyn Nets on Monday after missing nearly three months due to a pinched nerve in his back.
Simmons has participated in only six games this season, none since November 6, and has missed the previous 38. He practiced with the Nets’ NBA G League affiliate on Saturday, and coach Jacque Vaughn said there was a “high likelihood” that the 2016 draft’s first choice would play Monday against Utah.
Simmons was listed as probable to play on the Nets’ injury report on Sunday, but he was upgraded to availability Monday after participating in the morning shootaround.
Simmons has battled back issues since joining the Nets from Philadelphia over two years ago. The Nets initially thought his November injury was in his left hip, but later discovered it was caused by a lower back impingement.
