Ben Simmons’ back injury threatens his involvement in NBA playoffs, Olympics campaign

If the Boomers were counting on Ben Simmons leading their medal charge in Tokyo then they better have a Plan B. The superstar 76ers guard won’t be back playing until April at the earliest.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 13: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers watches the action against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 13, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

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Ben Simmons’ return to the Philadelphia 76ers for the NBA playoffs and for Australia at the Tokyo Olympics is looking shaky.

The Aussie All-Star will not play for at least another three weeks as he attempts to overcome a nerve impingement in his lower back, The Athletic reported on Thursday morning (EDT).

The playoffs start in five weeks.

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Ben Simmons may not be fit in time to headline Australia’s Tokyo assault.

Simmons has sat out the past two weeks after being diagnosed with the pinched nerve.

He will continue rehab and be re-evaluated in three weeks.

The 76ers have had a horrid run in Simmons’ absence with All-Star centre Joel Embiid suffering a shoulder strain and starting guard Josh Richardson missing games with a concussion.

The 76ers, one of the favourites at the start of the season to win this year’s NBA title, have slid down to sixth in the Eastern Conference. The playoffs begin on April 18 and the Olympics start July 24.

Originally published as Ben Simmons’ back injury threatens his involvement in NBA playoffs, Olympics campaign