'No timetable': Fresh setback derails Ben Simmons' NBA return

NBA fans will have to wait a little longer to see Ben Simmons back on court after his trade to the Brooklyn Nets a few weeks ago, with the 25-year-old encountering some setbacks as he gears up to return.

After a protracted stand-off with the Philadelphia 76ers that dated back to last season's playoffs, Simmons was traded to the Nets alongside Seth Curry and Andre Drummond for former league MVP James Harden.

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Simmons had refused to play for the Sixers after their calamitous exit from the Eastern Conference semi-finals, after which 76ers coach Doc Rivers called out Simmons specifically saying he was unsure if the Australian was a championship-calibre guard.

Harden has already made his debut for the Sixers, a thumping win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, however some back tightness is now likely to further delay Simmons' debut in Brooklyn.

Ahead of the Nets' Sunday match against the Milwaukee Bucks, head coach Steve Nash said there was no rush to get Simmons back on the court.

Instead, he said the Nets were prioritising getting him back to match fitness after spending half the season on the sidelines and missing training camp entirely.

"It's not like an injury," Nash said.

"It's just kind of like as he's returning to play, his back's flared up a little.

"It's not like a long-term thing."

Nash, a two-time MVP himself who was no stranger to back injuries himself throughout his illustrious career, said Simmons' complaint was nothing to worry about.

He said it was simply a byproduct of the extended time spent on the sidelines.

"He hasn't played a game since June," Nash said.

"I think that's just a part of his process of returning to play.

"As you ramp up, you're a little bit susceptible to certain things, as you would be with muscle soreness or tightness."

While speaking to reporters after the trade, Simmons said he hoped to play again by the time the Nets visit Philadelphia on March 10.

In better news for the slumping Nets, who have won just twice in their past 15 games to slump to eighth in the east, superstar Kevin Durant is close to a comeback from a knee injury that has sidelined him since January 15 with a knee injury.

James Harden lifts hopes of 76ers fans on debut

Making his 76ers debut in Minneapolis on Friday night, 2018 MVP Harden started and had 27 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds in a 133-102 rout of the Minnesota Timberwolves as superstar teammate Joel Embiid added 34 points and 10 rebounds.

Philadelphia finally got to see how their big name twosome worked together after Harden missed his first two games following the trade with a hamstring injury.

The results were promising, particularly where centre Embiid and Harden thrive - at the free-throw line.

MVP candidate Embiid was 11 of 13 from the line. Harden was 8 of 9 as the 76ers went 30 of 36 overall.

Demonstrating early chemistry, the pair shared a midcourt hug at one point after Harden hit a trademark stepback 3-pointer while being fouled.

The 76ers are well-placed for a major tilt in the playoffs, sitting third in the eastern conference with a 36-23 record despite having been without the disgruntled Simmons all season.

"That's what I expected," said Embiid, smiling wide as he shared a postgame press conference with Harden. "I've never been wide open like this in my life. Seriously, the passing, like I wasn't even expecting it and it was just coming."

Harden said: "We're unselfish, we just want to win. We've got guys, from top to bottom, that it feels that way on the court. Great things are going to happen more times than not. My job is to come in and add to each individual on this team."

With AAP

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