After running and shooting without back pain last week, Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons is expected to take it to the next level next week and train with his teammates, ESPN sources say.
His progress offers some hope for the Nets, who want Simmons to make his season debut in the first round of the playoffs against the Boston Celtics.
The first duel of the two teams will take place on Sunday.
So far it has been limited to individual training. The Nets hope to be able to count on him at some point in the playoffs, even if he only plays 10 or 15 minutes per game, according to the same sources.
Simmons, who was acquired last February in the trade that sent James Harden to Philadelphia, has not played any games this season due to a back injury.
