For the game, they could be without one of their best players, as Ben Simmons is on the injury report. Simmons is averaging 6.1 points, 6.0 rebounds and 7.1 assists per contest while shooting 62.2% from the field in eight games.

Ben Simmons will come off the bench for the first time during the 2024-25 season on Friday. Simmons was replaced by center Nic Claxton in the Brooklyn

Simmons isn't exactly the most well-loved player in the league, which is why it comes as no surprise that the jokes started pouring in on X after the fans learned about the Nets' decision to relegate the 28-year-old to a bench role.

The game was a thriller, but the Nets lost by a score of 108-104 in overtime. Ben Simmons finished with eight points, seven rebounds, seven assists and one steal while shooting 4/6 from the field in 27 minutes of playing time.

Ben Simmons drops a season-high 12 assists, with 10 in the first half, as the Brooklyn Nets take down the New Orleans Pelicans.

Ben Simmons is still getting used to playing with his Nets teammates, and they’re getting used to running with him. But as he settled into his role of leading the second unit, they’re starting to show signs of long-delayed progress.

With Ben Simmons in the final year of his $177 million contract, the Aussie could be a very valuable trade chip.

Ben Simmons finished with six points, five rebounds, 12 assists and two steals while shooting 3/5 from the field in 22 minutes of playing time. Many NBA fans reacted to his performance. @PCSportsMedia: "Ben Simmons is wheeling and dealing for the Nets.