Ben Simmons has yet to debut with the Brooklyn Nets due to a back injury. Last week, Simmons had an epidural injection due to the ongoing back issues.

"I think they're going to be cautious with it, but there's an expectation around the Nets that Ben Simmons will play this year," said Shams Charania on the Pat McAfee show. "It's going to be about him ramping up and feeling healthy.

"The problem with him is seeming every time he's gotten on the floor, he's had a flare up in his back. The hope is that now he's had the epidural injection last week, he feels better and hopefully whether it's in a week or whatever, he gets back on the floor and tries to ramp up."

Simmons last played in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in June.