Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons will miss more time with a back injury that will delay his return until at least January. The Nets announced Wednesday that while Simmons' back strength has improved over the past two weeks, his on-court activity is still limited to individual drills. A further update on his condition is expected in about two weeks.

The recent setback has been a frustrating blow for Simmons, who has missed 20 games this season and has had issues with his back for the past two games. The former first-round pick in the 2016 draft played just six games before going down on Nov. 6 with a pinched nerve. He received an epidural injection as part of his rehab.

In other good news, Nets guard Dennis Smith Jr. has been cleared for full basketball activity after missing the last six games with an upper back sprain. His availability for Friday's game against the Denver Nuggets is questionable.

Forward Lonnie Walker IV has missed the last eight games with a strained left hamstring and is expected to practice 5-on-5 in the coming days. The Nets are hopeful he'll be back next week.