There has been increasing optimism around the Brooklyn Nets that Ben Simmons will be able to make his season debut during the playoffs. Simmons is working his way back from a back injury.

"He is, I'm told, very, very confident he'll be able to make a return at some point in this first round series," said Shams Charania.

"I think Games 1 and 2 in Boston is too quick. But I definitely think after that is when the window for Ben Simmons to return opens up. Even if he's able to give him 15 minutes or 20 minutes, that's a game changer."

During the previous ramp up with Simmons, he was unable to progress past one on zero activity. Simmons could get to the point where he is ready to play if he can take contact.