Bobby

Simmons

In three games this year, Simmons has gone for 20-plus points two times. Last year, he failed to score 20 points in a single game. Word out of L.A. is that Kerry Kittles is not guaranteed his starting spot when he returns from injury, so Simmons should be picked up in most fantasy leagues.

Before Monday night’s game against Cleveland, Simmons had made 55.1 percent of his shots from the field to rank fifth in the league and was tied for 10th in free-throw percentage at 92.2 percent. Kevin McHale in 1989-90 was the only other player to do it.

If the injury doesn’t respond to treatment, Simmons could require season-ending surgery.

It’s still possible Simmons could require surgery on his damaged left hip and be sidelined for the season.

We have no reason to doubt him.

“At that point in time, you kind of see how it goes and if it works, that’s great,” coach Mike Dunleavy said. “If not, I guess we go to [season-ending surgery].”

Surgery, which would end his season, is still a possibility.

“I’ve done a lot of shooting and my rhythm is coming back,” he said.

Simmons had been expected to be out another three weeks, but felt good at practice and could be activated later this week.

Simmons won’t be activated before Saturday, or maybe not until next week, coach Mike Dunleavy said.