Ben Simmons to debut Thursday or Saturday

The first overall pick in the 2016 draft, Simmons is back in the NBA after sitting out the entire 2025-26 season. In his most recent action, the 6-foot-10 point forward appeared in 51 games during the 2024-25 season for the Nets and Clippers. In those appearances, Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 22.0 minutes per game. While he’s had his moments as an effective fantasy option in the past, despite his limited scoring ability, fantasy managers should not expect too much from Simmons in Sacramento. However, keep an eye on him during the preseason to see if Simmons can earn a consistent role.

After splitting the 2024-25 season between the Nets and Clippers, Simmons did not play in the NBA in 2025-26. In fact, he did not play anywhere, with the time off allowing the former first overall pick to recover from back issues that helped torpedo what appeared to be a promising career. Simmons will not be under any restrictions at the player-led minicamp, and he reportedly hopes to represent Australia in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Regarding his NBA outlook, multiple teams have expressed interest in Simmons, according to Spears. He is said to be open to signing for the veteran’s minimum, which is likely the most that he would be able to sign for given the time missed.

An unrestricted free agent after finishing last season with the Clippers, Simmons has been connected with multiple teams this offseason, including the Celtics and Knicks. However, he reportedly turned down a one-year offer from New York. The Knicks are limited in what they can offer a veteran due to the salary cap, which may have factored into Simmons’ decision to pass. New York can realistically only offer the league minimum to avoid the second apron. Simmons can be impactful as a defender and playmaker, but his limited scoring ability can be problematic if he isn’t the only non-shooter on the floor.

While Simmons’ career has not panned out the way many expected it to, his playmaking and defensive abilities mean there is interest in the free agent forward. In his report, Windhorst mentioned the Kings, Suns, Knicks and Celtics as teams linked with Simmons. The potential impact on fantasy basketball will depend on the location and Simmons’ health, which has been problematic for most of his NBA career. He played in 51 games last season between the Nets and Clippers, averaging 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 0.7 steals in 22.0 minutes.

Simmons will return to the Clippers’ rotation after sitting out Wednesday’s win over the Rockets. His best path to fantasy relevance would be for starting center Ivica Zubac (ankle) not to play. The Clippers listed Zubac as questionable in the initial injury report.

While Zubac was on the court Wednesday night, recording his first career triple-double, Powell was held out due to a shoulder injury. He was replaced in the lineup by Derrick Jones Jr., who will likely retain that role if Powell does not play in Sacramento. As for Zubac, Drew Eubanks and Ben Simmons would be available to absorb his minutes.

Simmons will not be available for Wednesday’s game for injury management reasons. He logged 15 minutes off the bench in Tuesday’s win over the Spurs. Coffey will miss a sixth straight game with an inflamed left knee. The absences likely mean a few more minutes for Nicolas Batum, and Kawhi Leonard can also absorb the available playing time.

Simmons was held out of Friday’s win over the Mavericks for injury management reasons, while Miller has not appeared in a game since March 12. Simmons will be in the rotation, especially if Kawhi Leonard (questionable) does not play, while Miller is unlikely to have a role.

The Clippers have a mini-series against Dallas on Friday and Saturday, and Simmons will sit out the first leg. Kawhi Leonard will be available, so Tyronn Lue may be trying to stagger their availability as to not fully punt on either game. Nicolas Batum should take on extra minutes with Simmons sidelined.

Simmons has missed the last seven games as he manages a knee injury. He’ll be back in a limited bench role, possibly taking minutes from Nicolas Batum and Amir Coffey. Simmons isn’t fantasy-relevant at the moment.