Nets' Ben Simmons and Cam Thomas  out with injuries vs. Hawks

It wasn’t a good sign when Ben Simmons was downgraded to questionable Thursday morning ahead of the Nets’ game against the Hawks at Barclays Center.

Simmons later was ruled out for the second consecutive game with left leg soreness. It’s the first time since his return from a back injury on Jan. 29 that he’s missed consecutive games. Thursday was the 44th game he’s missed this season.

Cam Thomas also was out for the second straight game, diagnosed with a right ankle/midfoot sprain after an MRI. Both are day-to-day, interim coach Kevin Ollie said.

“It’s a challenge and adjustment because Cam and Ben, they do things on our team that really allows us to play with pace and break down defense,” Ollie said. “Especially [Thomas] breaking down defenses, we can play off of him. Ben pushing the pace [and] rebounding . . . so we’re gonna miss those guys.”

Assistant GM to Hornets

The Nets have an opening in their front office. Assistant general manager Jeff Peterson will be hired by the Hornets as their next head of basketball operations, according to reports.

ESPN first reported the move Thursday.

Peterson, 35, was hired by the Nets in 2019 after spending seven seasons in the Hawks’ front office. He replaces outgoing Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak, who is moving into an advisory role.

Peterson will be familiar with Hornets co-owner Rick Schnall, who was a minority owner with the Hawks from 2015-23 while Peterson was there.

Peterson also has ties with Hornets coach Steve Clifford, who spent the 2021-22 season with the Nets as a coaching consultant under Steve Nash.

“Jeff has been great. Played a lot of golf together,” Ollie said. “Gonna miss him, but super-excited for his opportunity with the Charlotte Hornets to run that organization.”

By Evan Barnes

evan.barnes@newsday.comevan_b

Evan Barnes covers the Nets for Newsday. He previously covered Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.