Nets starters Ben Simmons and Cam Thomas remain out for the next handful of games, but both are improving.
Simmons has started light on-court work and Thomas is expected to start team activity next week.
Simmons will miss his seventh straight game with a nerve impingement in his lower left back, having played just 48 of 132 possible games since joining Brooklyn.
But he’s moving forward with treatment and has begun light individual court work.
He’ll have his status updated again in 7-10 days.
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After Simmons missed three games with a left hip contusion, The Post first reported he had a nerve impingement.
Back specialist Dr. Neel Anand told The Post that the All-Star would need anti-inflammatories and a week or two of rehab before he could resume practice, then at least another week before a return to the court.
So far, that timeline is looking accurate.
“Absolutely [it’s short term]. One-to-two weeks, he’s fine. He’s back rehabbing. He’ll be back [playing] in three-to-four weeks. Max, six weeks,” Dr. Anand said before the Nets’ 122-115 loss to the Heat on Wednesday night.
“He’ll do rehab and be right back to where it was.”
Thomas’ left ankle sprain has made significant improvement, and he’s been cleared for increased on-court activity.
The young guard is expected to be integrated into team activities next week as he progresses with his return-to-play program.
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Wednesday’s tilt in Atlanta will mark the sixth consecutive game missed by Thomas, who rolled his ankle stepping on P.J. Tucker’s foot on Nov. 8.
Thomas’ team-high 26.9-point scoring average would be top 10 in the league if he qualified.
Dennis Smith Jr. underwent an MRI exam on Tuesday, and the results confirmed the previous diagnosis of a lower back sprain.
The backup point guard, who has missed one game with the injury — Nov. 19 vs. Philadelphia – will keep getting treatment and is listed as day-to-day.
This article first appeared on The New York Postand was reproduced with permission
