‘That’s news to me’: Brooklyn Nets coach shuts down fresh Ben Simmons theory

The Brooklyn Nets have shut down reports Ben Simmons could be making his franchise debut in a potentially make-or-break play-offs game.

Coach Steve Nash has rubbished reports Aussie Ben Simmons is aiming to return from a back injury for game four of the Brooklyn Nets’ NBA play-off series with the Boston Celtics.

Simmons joined the Nets from the Philadelphia 76ers mid-season but his injury has kept him from making his franchise debut.

Nash has consistently refused to lock in a date for Simmons’ return to the NBA but has not ruled out the possibility that the Aussie could feature in the play-offs.

Simmons has taken part in light warm-ups with the Nets during the play-offs and was cleared to resume contact training earlier this week.

Watch Live Coverage of The 2022 NBA Playoffs with ESPN on Kayo including every game of The Conference Finals and The Finals. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

In the hours before game two on Thursday morning (AEDT), American reports emerged that Simmons could feature in game four, which may prove a make-or-break game for the Nets.

The Celtics won the opening two games of the series and given the first team to win four games in a play-offs series advances to the next round, game four could turn out to be the Nets’ last chance to keep their hopes of an NBA title alive.

Simmons (L) watching the Nets on Thursday (AEDT) with power forward Blake Griffin. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

But Nash said there was still no time frame on Simmons’ return.

“That’s news to me,” Nash said when asked whether Simmons was looking to play in game four.

“I don’t think we’re targeting any game. I think we’re trying to see how he develops, how he progresses and that’s something that, with the recent history since the trade, has not been straightforward.

“So while it’s exciting to see him on the floor and see him make progress, I don’t think any of us are saying it’s imminent.”

As a player, Nash was named NBA MVP twice. Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFP

The Nets snuck into the play-offs by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference’s play-in tournament.

The Celtics took a 1-0 lead in the playoff series by edging the Nets 115-114 over the Easter weekend.

Brooklyn was on top for the first three quarters of the rematch, leading by as many as 17 points, but was ambushed late.

After being outscored 29-17 in the final quarter, the Nets went down 114-107 and will be desperate to turn things around in the third game on Sunday morning (AEST).

Simmons’ fellow Aussie Patty Mills had a quiet night at the office on Thursday with five points and one rebound from 18 minutes on the floor.