Los Angeles Clippers forward Ben Simmons has had a turbulent start to his time in LA. The three-time All-Star, who joined the Clippers last month after securing a buyout from the Brooklyn Nets, impressed in his debut with 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals. However, injuries have once again disrupted his momentum.
Simmons has played just five games for the Clippers and has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury in a Feb. 28 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. He is set to miss his fifth straight game when the Clippers face the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night.
Despite the lingering injury, Simmons recently provided an update on his status.
Per Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints, Simmons hopes to return soon.
"Ben Simmons told me last night that he took a hit to the knee from Trey Jemison III in the first of the Laker games and it stiffened up on him," Azarly wrote on X. "He didn't sound too concerned about it, and said he hopes to be back on the floor soon."
Ben Simmons told me last night that he took a hit to the knee from Trey Jemison III in the first of the Laker games and it stiffened up on him.
He didn't sound too concerned about it, and said he hopes to back on the floor soon. https://t.co/5u3dfr0TZU
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) March 9, 2025
While Simmons remains optimistic, concerns persist about his long-term health. His injury history is well-documented-he famously sat out the first half of the 2021-22 season with the Philadelphia 76ers, citing a mental health issue. His decision to sit out the rest of the season forced the 76ers to trade him to Brooklyn in February, 2022.
Simmons would not return until the following season after he was diagnosed with a herniated disk in his back. Over three years with the Nets, he managed to play just 90 games, including only 15 games last season.
Thank you, @BenSimmons25pic.twitter.com/wTzvAzqCgG
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) February 8, 2025
There's no questioning Simmons' playmaking and defensive abilities when he's healthy, which is why the Clippers saw him as a valuable asset for their playoff push. However, if the Clippers hope to make a deep run, they'll need Simmons to stay on the court.
So far this season, Simmons is averaging 6.8 points on 58.3% shooting, along with 5.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 38 games.
Related: Ty Lue Announces Ben Simmons Update After Lakers Game
Related: Lakers Make Bronny James Announcement Before Celtics Game
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published March 9, 2025 at 9:58 AM.