According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Brett Brown declared Ben Simmons doubtful for tonight’s game against the Detroit Pistons.
Brett Brown said Ben Simmons is doubtful.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) October 23, 2018
It’s never a good thing to be less than full strength, and this announcement doesn’t mean that Simmons will 100% not play (though it’s like, 99.99% chance that he doesn’t), but it all makes perfect sense. You don’t want to mess around with back injuries; something minor could turn major real quick. On top of that, the Sixers are on back-to-back duty following the Detroit game, as they’ll head to Milwaukee tomorrow. It’s best to give Simmons the rest he needs, and hopefully that’s enough for Ben to return to full health against Giannis and the 3-0 Bucks.
According to Pompey, Brown had some more news:
Markelle Fultz will get the start at PG if Simmons doesn’t start.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) October 23, 2018
Could have guessed that one. This probably also means that JJ Redick will start at the 2.