Nets' Simmons ruled out for Game 4

After initial reports that Ben Simmons planned to make both his Brooklyn Nets and season debut in Monday's win-or-go-home Game 4 against the Boston Celtics, the team has officially ruled the three-time All-Star out for the contest.

The 25-year-old Australian guard woke up with back soreness today, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Simmons hasn't appeared since Game 7 of last year's Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Atlanta Hawks when he was still a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.

After a protracted trade holdout beginning last summer, the Nets acquired Simmons at February's trade deadline as part of a blockbuster package for former league MVP James Harden. Simmons aggravated his back while ramping up his conditioning to take the floor with his new team.

Despite a troublesome experience at the free-throw line in last year's playoffs, Simmons had a strong 2020-21 campaign overall. Playing over 32 minutes a night, the former first overall pick averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year balloting.

The Nets have been outscored by 14 points in the series so far to fall behind 3-0. Monday's match tips off at 7 p.m. ET in Brooklyn.