Apr 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) looks on during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Clippers Make Ben Simmons Decision for Rockets Game

Originally posted on Los Angeles Clippers on SI
By Farbod Esnaashari | Last updated Apr 9, 2025 5:47 PM ET

The LA Clippers face off against the Houston Rockets in their final back-to-back of the 2024-25 NBA season.

While many teams typically play all of their players through a back-to-back, they affect the Clippers more than the average NBA team. The Clippers have two key players who won't typically play on a back-to-back: Kawhi Leonard and Ben Simmons.

The Clippers opted to rest Leonard against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday but played Simmons. Now, Leonard will be available against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday but will not be playing Simmons.

Hi, Hello

Kawhi Leonard is PLAYING against the Rockets. Norman Powell is questionable with right shoulder soreness. Ben Simmons and Amir Coffey are out.

Have a nice day!
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) April 9, 2025

While Simmons isn't anywhere near as important to the Clippers as Kawhi Leonard, he's still a key piece of the bench lineup. Backup center Drew Eubanks simply isn't good enough to play in impactful minutes, and the team relies heavily on Simmons to play backup center minutes when needed. On Tuesday against the Spurs, Simmons had 7 rebounds and 2 assists in 15 minutes.

Defense Offense

Clippers lock down the Spurs.

Then Ben Simmons takes off and finds Nico for a corner 3

Spurs playing great here at Intuit Dome early pic.twitter.com/SgY8eZU27b
— Grant "Money" Mona (@Gmona48) April 9, 2025

Through 16 games with the Clippers, Simmons has averaged 3.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 43.4% shooting from the field in 16 minutes a game. While his totals are all essentially career lows, he still plays impactful minutes for the team and can be important when unlocking lineups in the NBA playoffs.