MRI reveals back inflammation for Nets' Simmons

Brooklyn Nets point forward Ben Simmons was revealed to have back inflammation following an MRI, head coach Jacque Vaughn told reporters, including the New York Post's Andrew Crane.

Simmons has been sidelined since the All-Star break due to a knee injury.

Speaking ahead of the team's 102-86 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday, Vaughn said that Simmons remains day-to-day, though he didn't stand by that timeline.

"We want Ben back when he's capable of being back for us," Vaughn said. "The day-to-day thing, that's just for me to say some term."

Vaughn reiterated that the team has no plans of shutting down the 26-year-old for the season.

Simmons has been sidelined for 22 of the team's 66 games this season and has largely been ineffective when playing, averaging a career-low 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per contest.

The Nets are 4-7 since trading away Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, falling to sixth in the Eastern Conference at 36-28. Simmons has averaged just 3.6 points in the five games he's played over that stretch.