Simmons faces injury layoff after dislocating knee

Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons faces an indefinite injury layoff after suffering an injury to his left knee, the team said Thursday, August 6 (Friday, August 7, Philippine time).

Australian ace Simmons limped out of the 3rd quarter during the Sixers’ triumph over the Washington Wizards, and did not return.

An MRI scan revealed Simmons had suffered a subluxation of his left patella, which typically takes several weeks to heal.

Sixers coach Brett Brown would not be drawn a possible timetable for Simmons’ return, only confirming he would definitely miss Friday’s game with Orlando.

“Some of the information is fluid, it’s still moving,” Brown said.

“In relation to saying any type of deadline, timeline, playoff, whatever, I’m not in a position to offer anything. Not because we don’t want to, but stuff is still being evaluated.

“What I do know, it’s boring, but we play Orlando tomorrow and we don’t have him. That’s kind of all I know at this point.”

Any extended absence of Simmons for the Sixers would be a significant blow to their hopes of mounting a challenge in the postseason.

The 24-year-old All-Star is averaging 16.4 points, 8.0 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game this season, and has thrived since Brown shifted him to power forward in their starting lineup. – Rappler.com