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Ben Simmons and Yuta Watanabe were out with injuries for Wednesday’s 122-116 victory over the Hornets. At some point during the Nets’ weekend back-to-back, both players are anticipated to return to the court and the rotation.
Simmons (left calf strain) missed his fourth consecutive game, while Watanabe (right hamstring strain) missed his ninth consecutive game. Both players worked out prior to Wednesday’s pregame shootaround, but neither participated.
“They had really done some work beforehand, so they arrived for the walk-through slightly perspiring. “Consequently, they did get some work in,” stated coach Jacque Vaughn. Both are expected to play this weekend.
Recently, Brooklyn has virtually employed an eight-man rotation, with Seth Curry, Cam Thomas, and the recently returning T.J. Warren serving as bench players. Simmons will likely return to the starting lineup, and Watanabe, who led the NBA in 3-point % prior to his injury, will likely grab some minutes from Royce O’Neale or Markieff Morris.
In any case, the lengthening of the rotation is a fait accompli.
Ben Simmons NBAE images from Getty
“It fits well in that arrangement. The fact that we’ll have more bodies to use in the game, as well as greater versatility in how those bodies appear, both little and large,” Vaughn added.
“We have never observed Yuta, TJ, Kevin, and Nic on the floor together. So what does that look like? Does this diminish his available time? Therefore, the return of additional bodies increases our options to provide him with relief.”
Guard Edmond Sumner’s right glute contusion has healed. He scored nine goals in thirteen minutes.
“Ed is here. Before the victory, Vaughn stated, “He completed his exercise and indicated he is ready to play, so we will see him on the field.”
Wednesday also saw the absence of Kessler Edwards, Day’Ron Sharpe, David Duke Jr., and Alondes Williams, who were all on G-League assignments. … Royce O’Neale received an elbow to the face but said that he was okay.
Charlotte was without LaMelo Ball (ankle), Gordon Hayward (shoulder), Dennis Smith Jr. (ankle), and Cody Martin (knee).
Before Wednesday’s game, the Nets and Reform Alliance co-founders Clara Wu Tsai (wife of team owner Joe Tsai) and Meek Mill provided a special Christmas experience for moms and children impacted by the criminal justice system at Barclays Center. The group visited the arena, shopped at Brooklyn Fanatics, and saw the game from VIP suites.
»Ben Simmons and Yuta Watanabe expected back this weekend«