Following a hectic end to the winter transfer window, James Harden and Ben Simmons swapped franchises. Having not featured for some time, both players will be waiting to get into the thick of the action. While Simmons has joined Kevin Durant and the Nets, Harden will partner with Joel Embiid. But will they get a chance to return to court in their respective franchise’s games tonight?
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25-year-old Ben Simmons hadn’t played a game for his one and only franchise since the end of their campaign last year. In spite of having an underwhelming 2021, Simmons tried to return to training, but to no avail. Meanwhile, the Nets are in good form, especially after the return of the once estranged Kyrie Irving. However, Harden left Brooklyn before his contract expiry in the summer. As a result, the duo will be making a re-debut in their new teams, and with new numbers.
Will Ben Simmons and James Harden play tonight?
On Saturday night, the Brooklyn Nets take on the Chicago Bulls in a high octane clash. Going through a bad patch of form, the in-form Bulls would’ve been the last franchise KD’s men will have wanted to face. Unfortunately, Ben Simmons will not be featuring in the encounter. The former All-Defensive Team member is not fully fit yet and has been ruled out of the weekend. Meanwhile, Seth Curry and Andre Drummond are also most probably out.
USA Today via Reuters
May 26, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) reacts after dunking the ball against the Washington Wizards during the first quarter of game two in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Joel Embiid’s Sixers are also set to come up against a top side this weekend. As the Cavaliers challenge awaits, all eyes will be on new recruit James Harden. In another piece of unfortunate news, the 32-year-old will not be in action either. As confirmed officially, he is still recovering from his hamstring injury. He has been ruled out of the weekend action and may take a few more days to join the squad.
Context: Woj reported that Harden spent the trade deadline in Houston. He was prematurely ruled out of tonight's Sixers-Cavs games and the Nets players are still waiting for physicals to pass, though clearly not theirs.
— Alec Sturm (@Alec_Sturm) February 12, 2022
Although they aren’t returning on Saturday, the NBA will be shaken up with the eventual returns of both Harden and Simmons.
Who is going to make the bigger impact? Let’s wait and watch.
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