
‘It’s ALL about the health of Ben Simmons’
Philadelphia 76ers superstar Ben Simmons has been forced out of the game against Joe Ingles' Utah Jazz with a shoulder injury.
The seemingly innocuous incident happened early in the first quarter after the Australian backed into power forward Royce O'Neale on the low post, forcing a wincing reaction from the 2017/18 Rookie of the Year who immediately clutched at his right shoulder.
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Simmons came back briefly in the second quarter before exiting with two points and two assists. The 76ers said their star guard was suffering a "stinger" and "will not return" to the court.
However, eagle-eyed viewers pointed out the injury likely happened a couple of plays earlier after Simmons hit the deck following a tussle with old rookie sparring partner Donovan Mitchell.
Co-host of Sixers Outsiders on NBC Sports Philadelphia tweeted the result now has no meaning: The outcome of this game now means very very little, it is ALL about the health of Ben Simmons. #SixersOutsiders
The outcome of this game now means very very little, it is ALL about the health of Ben Simmons. #SixersOutsiders
— Tyrone Johnson (@TyJohnsonNews) November 7, 2019
Here is the play where Ben Simmons appears to injury his right shoulder pic.twitter.com/KJPeGwEkyI
— Ryan Nichols (@RyanPNichols) November 7, 2019
Yeah here is that play, though I don't think he fell on it then. pic.twitter.com/uEPI9F5Hwr
— Ryan Nichols (@RyanPNichols) November 7, 2019
Injury Update:
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) November 7, 2019
Ben Simmons - right shoulder soreness
Will not return.