Ben Simmons is expected to start alongside rookie guard Darius Acuff when the Sacramento Kings open their regular season against the Los Angeles Clippers on October 21, Andscape’s Marc J. Spears reported.
The expected role would give Simmons an immediate place in Sacramento’s first unit after he sat out the entire 2025-26 season. The Kings announced his signing in September, bringing the three-time All-Star back to the league on a one-year deal.
Coach Doug Christie told Andscape that Simmons can play and defend multiple positions, with preseason games providing an opportunity to test rotations and combinations. Acuff said playing beside Simmons allows him to work off the ball while the veteran handles more of the offense.
Simmons told Andscape that his goal is to play all 82 games this season. He has not appeared in more than 51 regular-season games since playing 58 for Philadelphia in 2020-21.
The opening-night starting assignment is Spears’ reported expectation, rather than a final lineup announcement from the Kings. Sacramento has further preseason work ahead before the October 21 matchup.
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