Ben Simmons is expected to start alongside rookie Darius Acuff Jr. when the Sacramento Kings open their season against the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 21. For Sacramento, the pairing offers a chance to simplify its rookie’s responsibilities while testing whether Simmons can sustain his comeback.

Ben Simmons is expected to be in the Kings starting lineup for their opening game, per @MarcJSpears

“Simmons is expected to remain in the starting lineup alongside rookie guard Darius Acuff for the Oct. 21 season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers.”… pic.twitter.com/z2HEdcDSN7

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) October 12, 2026

The former All-Star returned Saturday after one year, five months and 27 days without an NBA appearance. Sacramento placed him in the starting lineup against Golden State, and he finished with seven points and one assist in nine minutes during a 111-106 preseason loss.

Simmons shot 2-for-4 and won the opening tip, but the most important development was his assessment afterward: he felt good. After spending a season addressing his back, knees and mental well-being, completing that first appearance represented progress.

Ben Simmons full FOOTAGE vs. Golden State Warriors (111-106 L) – preseason:

7 Points on 2/4 FG, 3/4 from the line, 1 Assist (2 TOV), 2 PF, and a +/- of 0 in 8:54 minutes played.

He played only in the 1st quarter.

I also posted it on YouTube:https://t.co/Gd0GFDMYlU pic.twitter.com/Va2AOmDaE7

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) October 11, 2026

The proposed partnership with Acuff has a basketball rationale. Simmons can initiate possessions, allowing the rookie to attack off the ball rather than organize every trip. Acuff welcomed that flexibility, playing with Simmons makes his job easier because he can alternate between passing, scoring and playing away from the ball.

That does not erase the questions surrounding Sacramento’s spacing. The Kings must determine which combinations create enough shooting and scoring around two guards sharing playmaking duties. Preseason experimentation should reveal whether the partnership produces cleaner possessions or merely redistributes responsibility.

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Coach Doug Christie emphasized Simmons’ versatility, saying he can guard and play all five positions. That flexibility could help Sacramento adjust matchups without changing personnel, particularly while Acuff learns the demands of NBA competition.

The Kings signed Simmons to a one-year, $3.5 million contract after general manager Scott Perry evaluated him in Miami. Coming off a Western Conference-worst 22-60 season, Sacramento has reason to explore upside rather than assume its existing formula will work.

Availability remains the decisive variable. Simmons wants to play all 82 games, but he has not exceeded 51 appearances since logging 58 in 2020-21. His planned preseason minutes increases will offer another test.

For now, the starting assignment signals opportunity, not certainty. Sacramento needs Simmons’ comeback to translate into production beside its rookie.