'Getting too much': Ben Simmons struck down again as Brooklyn Nets' injury crisis takes toll
Ben Simmons was forced to exit early against the Orlando Magic as the Brooklyn Nets injury crisis begins to take its toll.
Simmons managed just 12 minutes on the court before making the call to withdraw from the Nets' eight-point defeat to the Magic as he struggled with a knee injury.
It was later revealed the 28-year-old had suffered a left knee contusion.
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Simmons revealed he has been carrying the injury for the past 18 months but could not bear the pain while on the court against the Magic.
The injury could not come at a worse time for Simmons as his NBA career remains in limbo.
"It was something that I was dealing with prior to the game," he told reporters post-match.
Ben Simmons looks on against the Magic. NBAE via Getty Images
"I was just trying to see if I could go on and it was just getting too much so I made the decision... just got to monitor it."
Simmons made two rebounds and five assists during his time on the court, but failed to sink a shot.
The Australian is yet to be ruled out of his team's upcoming clash against the Bulls on Tuesday (AEDT).
The result marks the fifth straight defeat to the Magic for the Nets, positioning them ninth on the ladder.
The Nets took to the court without leading scorer Cam Thomas, Dorian Finney-Smith, Noah Clowney and Day'Ron Sharpe due to injuries.
Orlando's Franz Wagner had 20 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and two blocks, while Goga Bitadze added 12 points and 13 rebounds and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 16 points.
Cameron Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets dunks the ball. NBAE via Getty Images
Cam Johnson led Brooklyn with 26 points, and Dennis Schroder added 20 points and seven assists.
After an evenly matched first half that featured 14 lead changes and 11 ties, Orlando did its best to take control in the third quarter by outscoring Brooklyn 25-19.
Despite losing second-leading scorer Jalen Suggs, who picked up his fifth foul at the 10:41 mark, the Magic went on a 17-6 run and built their largest lead, 69-59.
But Brooklyn did not wilt. The Nets opened the fourth quarter with a 7-0 run, with Schroder scoring five points, including a three-point play that gave them the lead 76-75 with 10:45 left.
