Ben starts for shorthanded Nets

The Nets shamelessly beat up on a severely shorthanded 76ers team on Saturday in Philadelphia, one of their most lopsided victories of the season. But it was their turn on Tuesday to make the most of what they had. The Nets were without Cam Johnson (left adductor tightness), Lonnie Walker IV (left hamstring tightness), Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle sprain) and Day’Ron Sharpe (left knee hyperextension) against the Mavericks, which left the team with eight active players signed to standard NBA deals.

“We’re just standing in the tightness bucket right now,” coach Jacque Vaughn said before the game.

Ben Simmons returned from his latest one-game absence at an ideal time. He sat out Monday’s 10998 loss to the Warriors, for precautionary reasons.

Vaughn said Johnson and Walker both underwent MRI exams on Tuesday to assess the severity of their injuries. An update on their status will be provided in the coming days.

To make up for the lack of healthy bodies, Jalen Wilson, Noah Clowney and Keon Johnson were called up from the G League. The last time all three appeared in the same NBA game was Dec. 27 against the Bucks.

“That’s all we got,” Vaughn said.

SIMMONS STARTS

The plan was to ease Simmons back into action after he missed 38 straight games because of a pinched nerve in his lower back. However, given the team’s frontcourt situation on Tuesday, Vaughn was forced to start Simmons for the first time since Nov. 6, which was Simmons’ last game before his inactive streak began.

Simmons started the game with Mikal Bridges, Spencer Dinwiddie, Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton. It was the first time the Nets had used that starting lineup this season.

WHEN CREDIT IS DUE

Dennis Smith Jr. played a terrific game off the bench in Monday’s loss to Golden State, finishing with 12 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals in 31 minutes. It was just another example of just how far he’s come since he was drafted ninth overall by

Dallas in 2017.

While the 26-year-old has been a journeyman throughout his career, he continues to play some of his best basketball this season. And his impact, especially on defense, has been beyond that of players who are typically signed to one-year, veteran minimum deals.

“I love seeing the growth of guys,” Vaughn said. “And seeing where he started in the league and where he is now, his journey is different from the next dude in the locker room. He is a guy that we use his voice in the locker room. And his defensive intensity even the other night.

“The ability to climb into the basket and create when needed is something we miss when he isn’t playing.

“And so, we will need it tonight whether he is picking up Luka (Doncic), whether he is guarding Ky, all the above. He has the ability to do so.”