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NEW ORLEANS — The Nets’ backcourt is getting nearer to being complete, with Lonnie Walker IV on the point of returning and Ben Simmons taking an enormous step ahead in his rehab, in accordance with sources.
A number of sources advised The Put up that Simmons is “progressing nicely” in his restoration from a nerve impingement in his left decrease again.
Each stated that the purpose guard is predicted to be cleared to go two-on-two when the Nets return dwelling from this four-game street swing.
They performed Tuesday at New Orleans and can finish the journey Wednesday at Houston, returning dwelling with an off-day Thursday.
Simmons has been restricted to only six video games this season, none since Nov. 6.
However he was averaging 10.8 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 6.5 factors when he went down, and the Nets can desperately use his measurement, protection and playmaking.
The following steps in his development could be three-on-three, and full five-on-five towards gamers.
In the meantime, Walker might return as quickly as Friday at dwelling towards Oklahoma Metropolis.
Tueday’s 112-85 loss to the Pelicans tilt was the sixteenth straight sport he had missed with a left hamstring pressure, and he’s anticipated to take a seat out the tail finish of the back-to-back Wednesday at Houston as nicely, however the Nets might have their sixth man again after that.
“Yeah, Lonnie’s doing good,” stated coach Jacque Vaughn. “He bought a exercise in [Tuesday] and he is not going to play [Wednesday]. However there’s some good indicators pointing in the direction of him enjoying once we get again dwelling.
“He’ll trip again on the airplane with us. After which we’ll verify him out once we get dwelling. Hopefully he makes it again on the airplane OK. After which, there’s a superb probability or indicators of pointing in instructions of him enjoying on [Friday].”
Walker is averaging 14.6 factors on .489/.463/.763 taking pictures splits in 17 video games this season, placing himself in early Sixth Man of the 12 months conversations earlier than taking place.
Solely two reserves in franchise historical past have ever posted the next scoring common (enjoying half of the Nets’ video games off the bench): Spencer Dinwiddie’s 17.1 in 2018-19, and Darryl Dawkins’ 15.4 in 1985-86.
It bears watching how Walker’s impending return impacts Cam Thomas.
The Nets’ main scorer, Thomas was moved out of the beginning lineup in favor of ahead Dorian Finney-Smith as a result of Brooklyn was in determined want of measurement on that first unit.
Thomas offers scoring punch off the bench, however with Walker bringing a lot of the identical — and being taller and longer — the minutes distribution could also be attention-grabbing.
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