3 reasons the Brooklyn Nets can still make a playoff run

2. Ben Simmons is ruled out for the play-in but not the playoffs

The Nets acquired Ben Simmons in a trade for Harden, but Simmons has not played in a game because of a herniated disk in his back. The team announced that Simmons would also miss the play-in tournament because of this injury.

The loss of Simmons for the play-in could prove to be a problem for the Nets who have struggled heavily on the defensive end. Although Simmons is out for the remainder of the season and the play-in tournament, he has not been ruled out for the playoffs. Simmons is known for being a defensive threat on both ends of the court and the Nets can use his skills in the playoffs.