76ers' Simmons to be rested over stomach virus

Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons will not play Monday night against the Orlando Magic due to a stomach virus, head coach Brett Brown announced about 90 minutes before game time. T.J. McConnell, who turned 27 on Monday, will start in Simmons' place, Brown said.

Simmons has missed just one game this season, back on Oct. 23 due to back tightness. The 22-year-old is averaging 17.1 points, 9.0 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game while shooting 56.8 percent from the field in 72 contests this season. The 76ers entered Monday 2 1/2 games clear of the Indiana Pacers for the third spot in the Eastern Conference, and 3 1/2 games behind the Toronto Raptors for second place. Philadelphia has already clinched a playoff spot.

(With inputs from agencies.)