Brooklyn Nets' Ben Simmons late scratch with knee soreness

LOS ANGELES -- Brooklyn Nets swingman Ben Simmons did not play in Sunday night's 116-103 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers because of left knee soreness.

Simmons missed four games last week because of the same issue and has struggled to find a rhythm since the start of the season.

The news of Simmons' late scratch came as a surprise only because he played just 14 minutes in Saturday's 110-95 win over the LA Clippers.

Speaking after the loss to the Lakers, Nets coach Jacque Vaughn said Simmons experienced some knee soreness before the game, leading to him sitting out.

Vaughn added that he's unsure if Simmons will need another MRI on the knee, noting it will depend on how he's feeling Monday morning.

Since returning on Nov. 7, Simmons is averaging just 3.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game and has turned the ball over four times. He has been coming off the bench as he continues to work his way back from this latest injury setback.

Also Sunday, Nets center Nic Claxton suffered a left eye contusion after getting poked in the eye during the third quarter and did not return.

Vaughn said he is hopeful Claxton will be able to play Tuesday in Sacramento.

"We'll see how he responds [Monday]," Vaughn said.