Advertisement

Fears for Ben Simmons after awkward NBA injury

Ben Simmons is pictured during the Philadelphia 76ers' win over the Washington Wizards in the NBA bubble.
Ben Simmons left the court during Philadelphia's win over Washington on Thursday, with concerns over his left knee. (Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images)

There are fears for Australian NBA star Ben Simmons after he landed awkwardly on his left leg and immediately substituted himself out of Thursday’s game against the Washington Wizards.

Simmons grabbed an offensive rebound during the third quarter of the Philadelphia 76ers’ 107-98 victory over the Wizards, but immediately looked unsure of himself after landing.

'PERFORMED FOR HIM': Dancer contradicts NBA player's strip club story

‘NOT THE WAY’: NBA player's controversial anthem stance

He dribbled out past the three-point line before throwing a pass to Al Horford, immediately turning to the bench after his teammate was fouled.

The 24-year-old’s troubled NBA restart appears to have gone from bad to worse, with the Sixers now sweating on the results of scans on Simmons’ left knee.

Sixers coach Brett Brown said the nature of the injury was unclear when asked about it post-game.

“We don’t know. I’m sure the club will make some announcement about Ben’s departure soon,” Brown said.

“As far as knowing more than that, I really don’t.

“I’m very curious to hear what that news is.”

Scans would later reveal no serious structural damage to his knee, but Simmons remains a day-to-day prospect.

Sixers battling for NBA form amid Simmons injury

The Australian star had eight points on two-of-10 shooting before his departure.

The 76ers recovered to beat the Wizards 107-98, with Joel Embiid registering 30 points and 11 rebounds.

Tobias Harris added 17 points for the 76ers, who pulled within a game of the Pacers for fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Philadelphia are trying to make the most of a favourable schedule.

This was the the second game in a five-game stretch in which the 76ers play opponents currently seeded seventh or lower in their respective conference.

Ben Simmons is pictured in conversation with Philadelphia 76ers teammate Joel Embiid.
Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers look on against the Washington Wizards. (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

However, Simmons' injury is a major blow for the 76ers who are off on Thursday but meet Orlando on Friday.

Meanwhile, Joe Ingles put in a stellar performance to lift the Utah Jazz to a 124-115 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA on Wednesday.

The big Australian contributed 25 points as Utah (43-25) moved into fourth place in the Western Conference, a half-game ahead of the Houston Rockets.

Ingles, who had five assists and four rebounds, sealed the game for the Jazz with back-to-back three pointers in the final quarter.

Mike Conley (23 points), Rudy Gobert (21), with 16 rebounds and three blocks, and Donovan Mitchell with 18 points and seven rebounds, were also major contributors.

Collectively, Ingles, Conley and Mitchell combined for 18 assists.

Dillon Brooks scored 23 points while Jonas Valanciunas contributed 21, with 14 rebounds, to lead Memphis.

With AAP