Nov 30, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets injured guard Ben Simmons (10) watches from the bench during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Ben Simmons Facing Backlash From NBA Fans For Missing 76ers Game

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated 10/16/24

On Wednesday evening, the Brooklyn Nets are playing the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center for their third preseason game.

For the game, the Nets are without one of their best players, as Ben Simmons has been ruled out.

Via Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer: "Nets guard/forward Ben Simmons is not playing tonight vs. the Sixers."

Nets guard/forward Ben Simmons is not playing tonight vs. the Sixers.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) October 16, 2024

Simmons notably played five seasons for the 76ers, so a lot of fans reacted on social media.

@Beardaknowledge: "Of course he won't be playing... bc Ben Simmons doesn't actually ever play"

Of course he won't be playing... bc Ben Simmons doesn't actually ever play https://t.co/GjIFXOrlq8
— Phil Stiefel (@Beardaknowledge) October 16, 2024

Kevin O'Connor: "Least surprising thing ever"

Least surprising thing ever
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) October 16, 2024

@whristan1: "We’ve never seen a player this soft"

We’ve never seen a player this soft
— whristan (@whristan1) October 16, 2024

@LonzoMuse2: "Ben Simmons is a clown"

Ben Simmons is a clown
— Lonzo Muse (@LonzoMuse2) October 16, 2024

@iam_johnw: "Ben Simmons was talking about a revenge tour now that he’s healthy this year Just to duck a preseason game in Philly lmao"

Ben Simmons was talking about a revenge tour now that he’s healthy this year Just to duck a preseason game in Philly lmao https://t.co/bGgFDbTPwF
— John (@iam_johnw) October 16, 2024

@MattyMike0718: "And in other news, grass is green."

And in other news, grass is green. https://t.co/XKKHB9RJXD
— Matt Michaels (@MattyMike0718) October 16, 2024

Simmons finished last season with averages of 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists per contest while shooting 58.1% from the field in 15 games (12 starts).

The Nets will play their first game of the new season on October 23 when they visit the Atlanta Hawks.

They are coming off a season where they missed the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2018 (six years ago).

The Nets are 1-1 in their first two preseason games.

Simmons finished the team's 131-92 victory over the Washington Wizards with 11 points, five rebounds and two assists while shooting 5/7 from the field in only 13 minutes of playing time.

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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