Once the LA Clippers officially signed three-time all-star Ben Simmons, fans have been eager to know when he will be cleared to debut for head coach Tyronn Lue. Clipper Nation is excited to see what unique talents he brings, as they have never had a point forward in the rotation.
As the Clippers have had four days of rest between their last contest against the Pacers and tonight over Memphis, fans assumed Simmons would be ready as there seemed to be no limitations.
Through a press conference that occurred February 11th, Joey Linn, a credentialed NBA writer, reported on Simmons being healthy yet still missing any back-to-backs that take place.
Ben Simmons said he feels fully healthy, but is not cleared to play back-to-backs.
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) February 11, 2025
He’ll either debut tomorrow against Memphis or Thursday against Utah, but will not play both games.
Additionally, fans are just as thrilled to see the eight-year veteran, Bogdan Bogdanović, score effortlessly on Tyronn Lue’s bench. He has the chance to establish a strong reputation under Intuit Dome, and Clipper Nation is all for it.
Although the Clippers won by 20 points on Saturday against the Jazz, Bogdanović was unavailable for conditioning purposes.
Shortly after the victory, Bogdanović gave fans positive news they were waiting to hear.
The debut dates of Ben Simmons and Bogdan Bogdanović have been revealed for the LA Clippers.
As the LA Clippers’ first game of this week is a back-to-back, Ben Simmons has been ruled out on the front end against the Memphis Grizzlies. Though this update pushes his debut back, Simmons should be cleared to play in Utah on Thursday, February 13th.
Conversely, Bogdanović is not on the injury report tonight as the Clippers welcome the Memphis Grizzlies to their state of the arc facility. He will check in off the bench, and no minutes restriction has been reported.
Moreover, practice footage of Simmons and Bogdanović went viral after they worked together on their chemistry, specifically through dribble-hand-offs. This play provides the Serbian star with plenty of space as Simmons’ size and strength put the defense in a difficult position.
Ben Simmons and Bogdan Bogdanovic at Clippers practice. pic.twitter.com/i0AT7GbAKk
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) February 11, 2025
Lue was asked about their practice and stated, “Just working together. Bogey is a good mover. I think he does a good job coming off screens and DHO’s, and just getting that chemistry together, especially if that 5-man is gonna be guarding Ben.”
Despite being two new faces on the roster, Simmons and Bogdanović left a remarkable first impression. Being seen working together after becoming teammates is uncommon, and it shows their readiness to lead the Clippers’ bench.
That said, Clipper fans can count down before they witness Bogdanović and Simmons in uniform, as they will soon be seen playing together in the first of many.