Fansided

5 players who could return from injury and impact the NBA Playoffs (assuming they happen)

By Lucas Seehafer

Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 06: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers waits for a free throw during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on February 06, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

2. Ben Simmons — Philadelphia 76ers

Ben Simmons is the most notable NBA athlete who is currently injured and could realistically return for the playoffs; the Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant (Achilles) and Kyrie Irving (surgery to relieve subacromial impingement syndrome) simply aren’t walking through that door.

The latest update provided by the 76ers in regard to Simmons’ nerve impingement in his low back occurred on March 11 with the team reporting that the All-Star was making progress and would be re-evaluated in three weeks (approximately April 1). Simmons told reporters in mid-March that he was “doing great…and [feeling] strong” when asked if surgery was being considered.

Nerve impingement is fairly self-explanatory; one of the nerves in Simmons’ low back is being pinched by an anatomical structure. Oftentimes nerves become impinged by a herniation of the lumbar intervertebral disc or a fracture of the vertebral bone that causes the joint spaces in the back to decrease in size. Both of these conditions are relatively common among athletes and don’t always require surgical intervention to correct. Many times athletes can return to play after treating the pathology conservatively with physical rehabilitation.

Philly will need a healthy Simmons if they wish to compete for the NBA title. The Sixers would likely need to go through Boston, Toronto and Milwaukee just to reach the Finals, and they have no chance of doing that without a healthy Simmons.

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