Nets coach Jordi Hernandez remains tight-lipped about Ben Simmons’ status for upcoming games amid ongoing load management concerns

Coach Jordi Hernandez mentioned that Simmons hasn’t been cleared to play both games in back-to-back situations yet. With the Nets set to face the Trail Blazers and Clippers, he was a bit playful when asked if they had decided whether Simmons would sit out in Portland or Los Angeles.
“It’s my secret,” he joked after the Nets lost a close one to the Jazz, 112-111 in overtime. There’s some speculation about whether they’ll let Simmons play on Tuesday to give Russell a bit more time to recover from his shin injury.
Russell missed his fourth straight game, while Johnson has been out for five games due to an ankle sprain. Hernandez said they’re day-to-day but happy with their progress. Trendon Watford is also on this trip, but it seems unlikely he’ll play until they’re back in Brooklyn.
Tosan Evbuomwan had a great game, scoring a career-high 22 points, and he’s been impressing the coach lately. Ziaire Williams also had a solid outing with 19 points, extending his streak of double-digit games.
Dariq Whitehead was cleared to play but didn’t participate due to concussion protocol after an injury in the G-League. He shared that he had a bit of a scare with headaches after taking a hit.
Several players were out for both teams, including some key names for the Jazz. The NBA confirmed that the Lakers and Clippers will play their games as scheduled after some postponements due to wildfires. The Nets will face the Lakers on Friday, who are hosting a donation drive for relief efforts at the game.