- NBA
- WNBA
- NBA
- WNBA
LiveDraft Kit
Top 200 Rankings
Videos
Columns
- ATLANTIC
- CENTRAL
- SOUTHEAST
- NORTHWEST
- PACIFIC
- SOUTHWEST
- ATLANTIC
  
  Boston Celtics
  
  Brooklyn Nets
  
  New York Knicks
  
  Philadelphia 76ers
  
  Toronto Raptors
- CENTRAL
  
  Chicago Bulls
  
  Cleveland Cavaliers
  
  Detroit Pistons
  
  Indiana Pacers
  
  Milwaukee Bucks
- SOUTHEAST
  
  Atlanta Hawks
  
  Charlotte Hornets
  
  Miami Heat
  
  Orlando Magic
  
  Washington Wizards
- NORTHWEST
  
  Denver Nuggets
  
  Minnesota Timberwolves
  
  Oklahoma City Thunder
  
  Portland Trail Blazers
  
  Utah Jazz
- PACIFIC
  
  Golden State Warriors
  
  Los Angeles Clippers
  
  Los Angeles Lakers
  
  Phoenix Suns
  
  Sacramento Kings
- SOUTHWEST
  
  Dallas Mavericks
  
  Houston Rockets
  
  Memphis Grizzlies
  
  New Orleans Pelicans
  
  San Antonio Spurs
Stats
- Home
- Live Odds
- Trends
- Game Predictions
- Player Props
- Futures
- Home
- Live Odds
- Trends
- Game Predictions
- Player Props
- Futures

Spears: Ben Simmons expected to be a starter

Ben Simmons.png

Ben Simmons

SAC Guard-Forward #25

Player Stats

Andscape’s Marc J. Spears reports that Ben Simmons is expected to remain in the starting lineup when the Kings open the regular season.

After sitting out the entire 2025-26 season, Simmons started and played nine minutes in his unofficial debut for the Kings on Saturday against the Warriors. At the time of his signing, reports said the veteran guard/forward was expected to back up rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr., but the Kings appear to have a different plan. Simmons, whose minutes will be increased in Sacramento’s final two preseason games, is expected to remain a starter. That likely pushes Precious Achiuwa to the bench, with Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis rounding out the starting five. Despite Monday’s report, fantasy managers should still wait until the later rounds of drafts to select Simmons.

- Raphielle Johnson

Source: Andscape

More Ben Simmons News

Rivers, Hummel preview 2026-2027 NBA season

Austin Rivers, Robbie Hummel join Fanta in 60 to preview the trending headlines ahead of an intriguing 2026-2027 NBA season including, the most exciting to players to watch and how the 76ers might perform.

Up Next

Rivers, Hummel preview 2026-2027 NBA season

Take the over on Luka-led Lakers’ win total

Bet against the Thunder’s win total early on

Is KAT an ‘irreplaceable’ piece for the Knicks?

Spurs are a ‘low to mid-60s juggernaut’

Who gained the most fantasy value this offseason?

Which players are set for fantasy breakouts?

Who should fantasy managers fade this season?

Could be ‘tough’ for Knicks to win 53 games again

Is LeBron’s decision to commute ‘bad optics?’

Related Player News

Ben Simmons

SAC Guard-Forward #25

Personalize your Rotoworld feed by favoriting players

Ben Simmons finished Saturday’s exhibition against the Warriors with seven points (2-of-4 FGs, 3-of-4 FTs) and one assist.

Saturday’s exhibition was Simmons’ first game action since Game 5 of the Clippers’ first-round series against the Nuggets in 2025. He started against the Warriors, played nine minutes in the first quarter, then was shut down for the night. Simmons can be a viable option in 12-team leagues, but fantasy managers should temper their expectations early on. He started against the Warriors, but that was because Domantas Sabonis didn’t play. Once the games count, Simmons is likely to come off the bench.
Ben Simmons

SAC Guard-Forward #25

Ben Simmons will make his debut with the Kings on Saturday against the Warriors.

After sitting out the entire 2025-26 season, Simmons agreed to a one-year deal with the Kings in early September. The hope is that he can handle the backup playmaker responsibilities as rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr. gets acclimated to the NBA. Simmons doesn’t offer much as a scorer, but if he’s healthy, he could be a waiver-wire pickup worth considering in deep leagues.
Precious Achiuwa

SAC Forward #9

Precious Achiuwa amassed 18 points (9-of-13 FGs), five rebounds, three assists and one steal in Thursday’s exhibition against the Lakers.

After attempting just two shots in the Kings’ first meeting with the Lakers this preseason, Achiuwa was far more active on Thursday. Only Darius Acuff Jr. among the Kings’ starters took more shots, and Achiuwa shot well over 50 percent from the field. His viability as a fantasy option this season depends in part on Keegan Murray’s health, as he hasn’t played in either of Sacramento’s first two preseason games. While a healthy Murray would likely push De’Andre Hunter to the bench, his presence in the lineup could also mean fewer shots for Achiuwa.
Ben Simmons

SAC Guard-Forward #25

NBA writer Marc J. Spears reports that Ben Simmons will make his Kings preseason debut Thursday against the Lakers or Saturday against the Warriors.

Spears notes that Simmons has had a strong training camp, but the Kings organization wants him to ramp up cautiously. Currently going outside the Top 200 in fantasy drafts, Simmons is an upside, late-round selection.
Ben Simmons

SAC Point Guard #25

ESPN’s Marc Spears reports that the Kings and Ben Simmons have agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal.

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.
Ben Simmons

FA Point Guard #25

According to Andscape’s Marc J. Spears, Ben Simmons is participating in a player-led minicamp for Australia’s national team that begins on Monday.

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.
Precious Achiuwa

SAC Forward #9

Kings re-signed Precious Achiuwa to a two-year, $11.5 million contract, according to NBA Insider Chris Haynes.

Achiuwa had the best season of his young career last year as he averaged 10.1 points and 23.9 minutes in his first season with Sacramento. In the season’s final 25 games, he averaged 15.7 points and 9.2 rebounds in 31 minutes per game. Achiuwa stepped up when the Kings dealt with injuries to its frontline. He’s set to return as the backup power forward on a two-year deal.
Precious Achiuwa

SAC Forward #9

Precious Achiuwa finished Wednesday’s win over the Raptors with 28 points (12-of-19 FGs, 3-of-4 FTs), 19 rebounds, one assist, one block and one three-pointer.

Achiuwa was outstanding on Wednesday, grabbing a season-high 19 rebounds and recording his 11th double-double of the season. By comparison, he recorded 12 double-doubles in his previous two seasons combined. The Kings’ frontcourt injuries have opened the door for Achiuwa, and on most nights, he’s taken advantage. Sacramento plays two more games in Week 23, starting with the Pelicans on Friday.
Precious Achiuwa

SAC Forward #9

Precious Achiuwa tallied 16 points (7-of-14 FGs, 2-of-7 FTs), eight rebounds, one assist and one steal in Sunday’s loss to the Nets.

While he had a rough night at the foul line, Achiuwa once again provided solid value in points, rebounds and field-goal percentage. Since the All-Star break, he has been close to a top-50 player in eight-cat formats, exceeding expectations by a sizable distance. The Kings’ three games in Week 23 don’t include a back-to-back, which bodes well for Achiuwa’s availability.
Precious Achiuwa

SAC Forward #9

Precious Achiuwa accounted for 16 points (8-of-11 FGs), six rebounds, two assists and two steals in Saturday’s loss to the Hawks.

Rostered in 37 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Achiuwa has been a fourth-round player in eight-cat formats since the All-Star break. While Saturday’s stat line was on par with some of the others that he’s recorded since mid-February, the Kings forward was solid in his 20 minutes on the floor. Sunday’s matchup with the Nets looks like a good one for Achiuwa, provided he’s available.

Rotoworld

Tarris Reed Jr.

SAS Center
Player Stats

Personalize your Rotoworld feed by favoriting players

Link copied to clipboard!

Tarris Reed Jr. accounted for four points (1-of-6 FGs, 2-of-4 FTs), 17 rebounds, one assist, three steals and one blocked shot in Monday’s exhibition against the Jazz.

With Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet locked into their spots in the Spurs’ rotation, Reed will likely be the third center in his rookie season. If there’s one area where he can be valuable, it’s on the glass. Reed grabbed 17 boards on Monday, including eight on the offensive end. That doesn’t make him a redraft-league target, but you should roster the first-round pick out of UConn in dynasty leagues.
- Raphielle Johnson

Recap

More Tarris Reed Jr. News
Keldon Johnson

SAS Forward-Guard #3
Player Stats

Link copied to clipboard!

Keldon Johnson amassed 15 points (4-of-10 FGs, 7-of-9 FTs), four rebounds, four assists and two steals in Monday’s exhibition against the Jazz.

Johnson, the reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year, was inserted into the Spurs’ starting lineup on Monday. Obviously, he won’t be asked to fill that role very often once the regular season begins. Another issue for Johnson’s fantasy outlook is the emergence of Dylan Harper, even though they don’t play the same position, and the addition of Tobias Harris. The deeper rotation means someone will lose playing time, and that could be Johnson.
- Raphielle Johnson

Recap

More Keldon Johnson News
Harrison Barnes

SAS Forward #40
Player Stats

Link copied to clipboard!

Harrison Barnes finished Monday’s exhibition against the Jazz with 19 points (3-of-8 FGs, 10-of-12 FTs), two rebounds, one assist and three three-pointers.

With many of the Spurs’ regulars sitting out Monday’s game, Barnes moved into the starting lineup. As expected, the veteran forward hunted his shot aggressively and earned multiple trips to the foul line. Given San Antonio’s depth when everyone is available, Barnes is unlikely to offer much value in most fantasy leagues this season.
- Raphielle Johnson

Recap

More Harrison Barnes News
Jaxson Hayes

UTA Center-Forward #11
Player Stats

Link copied to clipboard!
Jaxson Hayes recorded 11 points (4-of-5 FGs, 3-of-4 FTs) and two rebounds in Monday’s exhibition against the Spurs.

With Jusuf Nurkić (toe) out for at least four weeks, Hayes is likely to be Utah’s starting center come Opening Night. He didn’t offer much rebounding value on Monday, and over his career, Hayes averages 5.8 rebounds per game when he starts. Fantasy managers shouldn’t expect much from him as a starter, but Hayes’s biggest value will be letting Jaren Jackson Jr. stay at power forward.
- Raphielle Johnson

Recap
Jusuf Nurkić
More Jaxson Hayes News
Jaren Jackson

UTA Forward-Center #20
Player Stats

Link copied to clipboard!

Jaren Jackson Jr. tallied 13 points (6-of-8 FGs), three rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block and one three-pointer in Monday’s exhibition against the Spurs.

Jackson was whistled for five fouls during the first half, but his defensive aggression was likely influenced by the expectation that he’d be done at halftime. Jackson recorded a complete stat line in his 18 minutes, and he should be a highly valuable frontcourt player in category leagues this season. The key will be to stay healthy, as injuries limited Jackson to 48 games in 2025-26.
- Raphielle Johnson

Recap

More Jaren Jackson News
Darryn Peterson

UTA Guard
Player Stats

Link copied to clipboard!
Darryn Peterson finished Monday’s exhibition against the Spurs with 14 points (5-of-10 FGs, 3-of-3 FTs), two rebounds, five assists, one steal and one three-pointer.

Peterson was the lone Jazz starter to see any action after halftime, logging nine minutes in the third quarter. The Jazz inserted Isaiah Collier (11 points, three rebounds, six assists, five steals, and one three-pointer) to start the second half, suggesting they currently view Peterson solely as a two-guard. His taking that role when he’s on the floor with Keyonte George isn’t a surprise, but Peterson may not get many point guard minutes when Utah’s PG1 sits.
- Raphielle Johnson

Recap
Isaiah Collier
More Darryn Peterson News
OG Anunoby

NYK Forward-Guard #8
Player Stats

Link copied to clipboard!

OG Anunoby amassed 15 points (4-of-8 FGs, 6-of-6 FTs), two rebounds, one assist, three steals and one three-pointer in Monday’s exhibition against the Timberwolves.

Anunoby was one of three Knicks starters to finish Monday’s exhibition in double figures, joining Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Despite providing top-50 value each of the last two seasons, OG’s current ADP still sits in the high-60s. With that in mind, he could return excellent fantasy value in 2026-27, especially if he’s more aggressive in looking for his own shot.
- Raphielle Johnson

Recap

More OG Anunoby News
Jalen Brunson

NYK Guard #11
Player Stats

Link copied to clipboard!

Jalen Brunson finished Monday’s exhibition against the Timberwolves with 20 points (6-of-13 FGs, 7-of-8 FTs), five rebounds, three assists, three steals and one three-pointer.

Monday’s game was the first of two in as many nights for the Knicks, who visit the Raptors on Tuesday. Even if Brunson and the other starters are available, they may not play much in New York’s final road game this preseason. Unsurprisingly, Brunson was the most productive starter against the Timberwolves, and he’ll lead the way offensively on many nights during the regular season.
- Raphielle Johnson

Recap

More Jalen Brunson News
Anthony Edwards

MIN Guard #5
Player Stats

Link copied to clipboard!

Anthony Edwards recorded 26 points (8-of-16 FGs, 5-of-7 FTs), three rebounds, three assists, one steal and five three-pointers in Monday’s exhibition against the Knicks.

The partnership between Edwards and LaMelo Ball (10 points, three rebounds, seven assists, one block and one three-pointer) has looked good in the preseason. The Timberwolves clearly prioritized getting a playmaker to share the court with Ant-Man, and Ball fits the mold. There will likely be some growing pains once the results count, but this should be another big year for Edwards. He has a first-round ADP in 12-team leagues, and that’s fair.
- Raphielle Johnson

Recap

More Anthony Edwards News
Jaden McDaniels

MIN Forward #3
Player Stats

Link copied to clipboard!

Jaden McDaniels tallied 22 points (8-of-12 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), five rebounds, two assists and four three-pointers in Monday’s exhibition against the Knicks.

With Julius Randle and Naz Reid out of the picture in Minnesota, McDaniels should have more room to operate as a scorer. He was very effective against the Knicks, shooting nearly 67 percent from the field overall and going 4-of-5 from deep. With an ADP in the nineties, McDaniels could be a steal in fantasy basketball this season.
- Raphielle Johnson

Recap

More Jaden McDaniels News