Nic Claxton returned to the Nets’ starting lineup, seemingly for good, on Friday against the Boston Celtics. That meant Ben Simmons, who had started six games at center this season in place of a limited Claxton, came off the bench for the first time in 2024-25.

Sooner or later, the Nets are going to be healthy (yes, we know it’s the Nets, but bear with us). And when coach Jordi Fernandez has a full roster, he’s going to have some tough calls to make.

Ben Simmons will come off the bench for the first time during the 2024-25 season on Friday. Simmons was replaced by center Nic Claxton in the Brooklyn

The Celtics will play their fourth straight game without Jaylen Brown, who is out as he continues to recover from a strained hip flexor.

The Brooklyn Nets announced before Friday's game at the Boston Celtics that Ben Simmons would be coming off the bench for the first time this season.

Boston ruled out three players for its Friday night matchup against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden: wing Jaylen Brown and centers Luke Kornet and Kristaps Porzingis. It was the fourth consecutive DNP for Brown,