Brooklyn Nets Roster
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According to the New York Post's Brian Lewis, Brooklyn Nets utility man Ben Simmons (back) has advanced to the next stage in his rehab process. The former Philadelphia 76er has battled a back injury, keeping him out of the lineup for over a month. Fortunately, his recent epidural procedure yielded positive results, so he's moving slowly toward on-court activity. Simmons missed most of last season with a back ailment but played well during the 2023-24 campaign before getting sidelined, averaging 10.8 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 6.5 points in 31.8 minutes per contest. But it will be a while before Simmons is back on the floor, although fantasy managers should keep him stashed if possible.
Brooklyn Nets guard Lonnie Walker IV (hamstring) will remain sidelined on Friday as he nurses a left hamstring strain. The 24-year-old has been playing some important minutes off of the bench so far this season, but the Nets draw an easier matchup against a weak Washington Wizards team on Friday. In Walker's absence, Dennis Smith Jr. should continue to see more opportunities as the backup guard. Smith has provided a bit of a scoring punch while chipping in with a solid amount of rebounds and assists.
Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Ben Simmons (back) reportedly received an epidural injection to help his lower back recovery. According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Simmons will be re-evaluated in two weeks after receiving this injection on Sunday. The 27-year-old has been out since November 6 and it looks like he won't be back until almost the end of December. Simmons has battled back issues for the last few years, so the team likely won't be rushing him back. While he's out, Cam Thomas and Spencer Dinwiddie will continue handling point guard duties as Dennis Smith Jr. will get some action off of the bench.
Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (foot, knee) is questionable for Saturday's game against the red-hot Orlando Magic. The veteran was added to the injury report on Saturday because of right foot and knee soreness. However, with Royce O'Neale (hip) back in the lineup after missing a game, he may benefit the most if DFS doesn't suit up.
Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Royce O'Neale (hip) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's encounter with Orlando. After sitting out one game, the 30-year-old appears ready to return to the lineup. O'Neale had a couple of outstanding scoring outings before suffering a hip contusion, putting up 38 total points in meetings with Chicago and Toronto. He has averaged a versatile line, mainly as a bench player in 2023-24, logging 8.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 29.9 minutes. The Magic have impressed with their defense, and it's tough to score against them, so O'Neale's habit of doing a little bit of everything should help him be effective in Saturday's matchup.
