The chance of Ben Simmons actually being cleared to play for the Brooklyn Nets in his first round series against the Boston Celtics. Simmons is trying to return from a back injury after not playing since Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals last June.

"I am told Ben Simmons is targeting Games 4, 5 or 6 for making his Brooklyn Nets debut," said Brian Windhorst on Thursday morning on ESPN. "I've got to say that I was taken aback by being told that information. My response was 'Is he even playing five-on-five yet?'

"The answer to that is 'no', but the hope is by the end of the week he can ramp up to that. There is still some time. We're still talking about over seven days. It's a big ask, but I have to say that really for seven or eight weeks I've heard nothing but pessimism on the Ben Simmons' front. But that has switched dramatically over the past few days. Right now, I have to report it is possible we'll see Ben Simmons in this series against the Celtics."

The Nets traded for Simmons in February and would likely utilize him in a defensive role against Boston's star wings in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.