Sixers Hopeful Simmons will Return Before Playoffs

The Philadelphia 76ers have been without Ben Simmons since February 22nd and are reportedly planning to evaluate his back injury this week.

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported Friday the team is waiting for the "inflammation around the nerve [in Simmons' lower back] to subside" before determining a firm timetable.

Philadelphia head coach Brett Brown said in late February the team wasn't sure how long Simmons would be sidelined. The Sixers have gone 3-3 over the last two weeks while Simmons has been out. Embiid has also been sidelined with a sprained left shoulder for the last four games.