Ben Simmons will come off the bench for the first time of the 2024-25 season on Friday.

Simmons was replaced by center Nic Claxton in the Brooklyn Nets’ starting lineup ahead of a matchup with the Boston Celtics.

The forward was ruled out of the Nets’ 106-104 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday after suffering a back injury, with the game coming on the second night of back-to-back games.

Simmons previously started in each of his first six appearances to start the regular season.

The 28-year-old is averaging 5.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game while shooting 61.5 percent from the field this season.

Simmons has struggled to make an impact on both ends of the court, as his net rating of minus 7.8 represents the second-worst mark among Nets players who have played in at least five regular-season games (via NBA.com). On the other hand, Claxton owns the second-best net rating on the roster.

The Nets also appear to be cautious with Simmons’ playing time, as he underwent back surgery for the second time in three years on March 14. Head coach Jordi Fernández told reporters on October 29 that the forward will not participate in moving both legs from back to back forward.

Simmons hasn’t always been a consistent member of Brooklyn’s starting lineup since he was acquired in a blockbuster trade trade with the Philadelphia 76ers in September 2022. He came off the bench in 12 of his 63 appearances with the Nets.

However, that does not seem to be his preference. Simmons previously explained that he believes he will be “more useful as a starter than on the bench” if he faces a minutes restriction during the 2023-24 season.