Ben Simmons is actually back and will make Brooklyn debut in four days

The mystery surrounding Ben Simmons has been solved and the Aussie is reportedly just days away from returning to the NBA.

Patty Mills and Ben Simmons will be on court together for the first time. Photo by Elsa/Getty Images.

Ten months later, Ben Simmons is about to play his first game of basketball since his infamous play-offs meltdown.

The Aussie star will reportedly play in Game 4 of Brooklyn’s play-offs series against Boston on Tuesday after an extended break away from the game as a result of back injuries and mental health issues.

It was revealed last week Simmons was planning on coming back during the first round of the playoffs — and now it seems the Nets and the former Philadelphia star are on the same page.

The Athletic’s Shams Charania first reported Simmons will make his debut for the Nets in the critical Game 4, which is being played at Brooklyn’s Barclay’s Centre.

The Nets trail in the series 0-2. Game 3 is being played on Sunday (AEST).

Charania posted on Twitter Simmons will play “as long as rehab remains on course” in the next few days.

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 >

Charania told The Rich Eisen Show Simmons has already completed two full-court scrimmage training sessions and only needs to get through a third scrimmage session before the team locks him in for Game 4.

The report comes just one day after Nets coach Steve Nash shrugged off previous reports Simmons was targeting an imminent return.

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.

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

Ben Simmons. Photo by Elsa/Getty Images.

“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.”

With Simmons back, the Nets will finally have their trio of superstars all on the court together, potentially making them a championship contender.

The 25-year-old has been sitting on the bench for recent Nets games and has been spending more time on the court during regular training sessions with the rest of the squad.

Simmons has had a history of back issues that date back to February, 2020. The team has consistently referred to this injury as “soreness” or “tightness,” however an MRI exam last month revealed a strain.

The Nets acquired the young star February 10 in the deal that sent James Harden to Philadelphia.

If able to return this season, Simmons could potentially face his former team in the Easter Conference finals should the Nets and Sixers progress that far.

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

The surrendered Game 2 when they lost the final quarter 29-17 after leading by as many as 17 points. They will be desperate to turn things around in the third game on Sunday morning (AEST).

Originally published as Ben Simmons is actually back and will make Brooklyn debut in four days