Ben Simmons is trending toward a return from an extended absence. The Los Angeles Clippers upgraded the point guard to questionable for Friday’s matchup with the Atlanta Hawks after he missed the last seven games due to a left knee injury.

This scoring outburst was much needed for the Clippers since six-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard was out for the second leg of a back-to-back due to injury management. Los Angeles was also without three-time All-Star Ben Simmons, who recently signed after his buyout with the Brooklyn Nets .

For the game, the Clippers could remain without one of their best players, as Ben Simmons is on the injury report. The former LSU star has missed each of the previous seven games, so this would be his eighth straight out of action (if he doesn't play).

The LA Clippers are two steps closer to whole as they wrap up their road trip in Atlanta on Friday night. Guard/forward Ben Simmons and head coach Tyronn Lue have both been absent for a period of time,