Ben Simmons' Kings Preseason Debut Timeline Revealed in NBA Rumors Ahead of Lakers, Warriors Games

Three-time All-Star Ben Simmons should suit up for the Sacramento Kings this week as they tip off the NBA preseason, according to Andscape's Marc J. Spears.

Spears reported Simmons is likely to play Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers or Saturday at the latest, when the Kings face off with the Golden State Warriors.

Simmons was out of the league for the 2025-26 season before signing a one-year deal with Sacramento. Prior to his hiatus, his value had hit a nadir.

Across 51 appearances with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, the veteran point guard averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists. During the Clippers' first-round playoff series with the Denver Nuggets, which stretched to seven games, he logged a total of 42 minutes.

Persistent back injuries derailed Simmons' career after he emerged as a two-way force for the Philadelphia 76ers. His lack of shooting range has always been a serious concern, but that didn't preclude him from earning All-NBA honors in 2019-20.

During the Kings' media day, the 30-year-old said it was "bulls--t" for people to assume he didn't have an earnest passion for basketball. He said his health was the biggest factor in him sitting out an entire season.

Sacramento should be an ideal place for Simmons to launch his comeback.

The Kings sit 29th in Bleacher Report's NBA power rankings after they finished 22-60 a year ago. They're unlikely to be a serious contender, which means Simmons should have plenty of playing time and the kind of role that allows him to show what he can do on the court.

With the preseason, he'll have the opportunity to shake off what will be a lot of rust.