Ben Simmons Ruled Out vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers will head to the Barclays Center on Saturday evening to face off against the Brooklyn Nets. Both teams have had already their seasons stunted by injuries to key players, and sources close to the team say Brooklyn will be down one more this weekend. Just before tip-off it was announced that Ben Simmons was ruled out due to a calf injury.
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The response to the news was quick and rather relentless on social media.
"What injury does Ben Simmons have this time," one fan asked mockingly.
What injury does Ben Simmons have this time?
— Justin Lever ❤️⚾️ (@JustinLever3) January 4, 2025
Another fan said, "Ben Simmons is now OUT with left calf soreness. Man continues to duck Philadelphia."
Ben Simmons is now OUT with left calf soreness.
Man continues to duck Philadelphia.
— RB (@RBPhillyTake) January 4, 2025
"Can't make it up," said another fan.
“Joel Embiid will start Saturday.”
“Ben Simmons now questionable Saturday.”
Can’t make it up 💀🤣
— Noah (@DFSbyNoah) January 4, 2025
"Bro scared of Philly," another user joked.
Bro scared of Philly 😂
— lil_don (@LandynOtt) January 4, 2025
Simmons Claims He Has Nothing but Love for Philly
Fans have been openly skeptical about Ben Simmons' injuries especially whenever he is set to face the 76ers.
The former No. 1 pick played for Philadelphia in the first six years of his career before eventually being dealt to Brooklyn in 2022. His exit from the City of Brotherly Love was full of everything just short of that, perhaps most underscored by former teammate Joel Embiid taking some subliminal shots at Simmons after the trade was completed.
Despite the sour ending, Ben Simmons asserts that his years in Philly were important and that he holds the city in a special place in his heart.
"I'll always have love for Philly," Simmons said. "People always ask me like, 'If you were to get traded again where you want it to be?' I always say, 'Just Philly. Philly is a second home to me.' And in time, you learn and grow as people."
