Ben Simmons battling back injury with Philadelphia 76ers uncertain on NBA return date

Aussie superstar Ben Simmons’ immediate playing future is uncertain after he hobbled from the court with a back issue five minutes into Philadelphia 76ers’ loss to Milwaukee.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 16: Ben Simmons #2 of Team LeBron dribbles the ball in the second quarter against Team Giannis during the 69th NBA All-Star Game at the United Center on February 16, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

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Ben Simmons remains under an injury cloud with his return to NBA action uncertain.

The Australian hurt his lower back last week in a Philadelphia 76ers practice session and had been scheduled to have an MRI after hobbling from the court five minutes into his side’s 119-98 loss to Milwaukee.

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He sat out of a game against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday and could only make it through the start of the game against the Bucks.

Simmons will also skip Monday’s clash with the Atlanta Hawks.

Ben Simmons could face a lengthy stint on the sidelines.

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ESPN, citing sources, reported Simmons is still undergoing treatment “and evaluation on his back and there’s expected to be a course of action decided upon soon”.

“This isn’t a day-to-day injury; Simmons will miss time,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported.

“How much time?

“That’s still unclear.”

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Simmons’ injury comes as the 76ers make their final push toward the playoffs.

They sit in fifth position in the eastern conference.

Simmons is averaging 16.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 8.3 assists this season.

Originally published as Ben Simmons battling back injury with Philadelphia 76ers uncertain on NBA return date