Updated: Oct. 21, 12:35 a.m.
The only thing that can stop Ben Simmons these days is himself.
Off to a strong start to the new season, Simmons exited Saturday’s game against the Orlando Magic with 4:19 remaining in the first quarter because of back tightness. He did not return.
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“I really haven’t been told anything. I don’t believe it’s serious,” Brett Brown said after the Sixers’ 116-115 win (see observations). “I would say it sways more on precautionary, but I’m just giving my opinion without any information from our doctors.”
Simmons made a pair of layups on consecutive possessions and jogged gingerly up the floor before being replaced.
The reigning Rookie of the Year ended his night with four points and four assists in eight minutes.
“I thought he played OK, but it was clear that something was going on,” Brown said. “Despite that, I thought he was OK on the floor, and I just took him out and was informed that he wouldn’t be coming back.”
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Simmons had come out of the gates roaring to start 2018-19. He was averaging close to a triple-double in the Sixers’ first two games with 16.0 points, 14.0 rebounds and 9.5 assists.
He now joins Jerryd Bayless (left knee), Zhaire Smith (left foot), Wilson Chandler (left hamstring) and Mike Muscala (right ankle) as Sixers dealing with injuries.
