Ben Simmons, the Brooklyn Nets’ point guard, will miss the highly anticipated game against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 2, 2025, due to injury management. This absence raises concerns about the team’s performance as they face the Bucks, who are currently fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. Simmons has struggled with consistency this season, and his recent performance against the Toronto Raptors has sparked significant discussion among fans and analysts alike.
The Nets are reeling from a tough 130-113 loss to the Raptors, where Simmons only managed to score two points, grab two rebounds, and dish out six assists during his 24 minutes on the court. His shooting woes were evident, as he finished just one-for-six from the field. This lackluster performance contributed to the Brooklyn Nets extending their losing streak to three games, leaving them with a bleak 12-21 record.
Following the Raptors game, the Nets’ injury report confirmed Simmons would not participate against the Bucks. This decision opens the door for D'Angelo Russell and Cam Thomas to step up. Russell, averaging 12.7 points per game, could see more time on the court as the team adapts to Simmons’ absence. According to the NBA Injury Report, "Ben Simmons (injury management) ruled out Thursday,” starkly showing how the team needs to recalibrate their strategy.
Critics have not held back following Simmons' recent outings. Social media has been rife with scathing commentary on his performance, with one user quipping, "Ben Simmons needs to be filing for unemployment... but mf gets to walk around a millionaire." Such sentiments reflect the frustration among Nets fans who expected more from the former number one overall draft pick. Many are questioning his contributions to the team, especially as they battle to improve their standings.
Despite being sidelined, Simmons continues to average 5.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game this season—a notable drop compared to his previous performances as a three-time NBA All-Star. Analysts suggest his struggles could result from increased pressure following the team’s roster changes, such as the trade of Dennis Schroder to the Golden State Warriors. With Schroder gone, Simmons has increasingly taken on playmaking duties, yet his effectiveness has waned.
For the Nets to remain competitive, especially against teams like Milwaukee, they’ll need to fill the void left by Simmons. The Bucks have managed to revitalize their season after a rough start and will undoubtedly pose challenges for the Nets, who are under pressure to end their losing streak.
Looking back at the loss against Toronto, Simmons’ performance was just one aspect of a broader issue within the Nets. Fans have become vocal about the team’s need for changes and improvements, expressing discontent with Simmons' recent form. Some critics have voiced the need for the ball to be predominantly handled by D’Angelo Russell to maximize scoring opportunities, recognizing Russell is capable of stepping up when Simmons struggles.
The Nets now face the challenge of keeping their playoff aspirations alive without one of their key players. Following the game against the Bucks, they will return home to face the Philadelphia 76ers on January 6, 2025. It will be instructive to observe how they cope without Simmons and whether they can pivot effectively to halt the downward trend.
The Nets organization continues to advocate for Simmons' health, emphasizing the importance of managing player injuries prudently. For now, fans can only wait to see how long Simmons’ injury management protocols will keep him off the court. Until then, the focus will turn to how the remaining players adapt and whether they can rally to secure necessary victories.