Dylan Cardwell (calf) set to miss at least 2 weeks

The Kings just can’t keep a backup big healthy. Maxime Raynaud (knee) and Dylan Cardwell (calf) are both set to miss time, so Achiuwa got the start with Domantas Sabonis getting the night off. Achiuwa exited early with a right ankle injury after having a productive night. If he is also forced to miss the start of the season, Jonathan Mogbo would be next in line to back up Sabonis.

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.

It could be precautionary, but it is still worth noting. The Kings host the Trail Blazers for a preseason game on Tuesday, so Cardwell’s status for that may paint a better picture. With Maxime Raynaud expected to miss the start of the season with a right knee injury, Cardwell will likely start the year as the backup center, assuming he’s healthy.

Raynaud underwent an MRI on his right knee that revealed a right patellar subluxation, according to the team. He’ll be reevaluated in two weeks. Raynaud left Saturday night’s preseason game against the Warriors in the second quarter due to the injury. Considering he was taken to the locker room on a stretcher, it’s encouraging that it appears he was able to avoid a more significant injury. Dylan Cardwell will have more opportunities as the Kings’ backup center in Raynaud’s absence.

Raynaud was injured while attempting to set a screen for teammate Darius Acuff Jr. during the second quarter of Saturday’s exhibition. The second-year center appeared to take a hit to his right knee and immediately fell to the court in pain. Raynaud was eventually taken back to the locker room on a stretcher. If he misses time, Dylan Cardwell’s role becomes even more important behind starting center Domantas Sabonis.

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.

Cardwell’s final stat line is one that category league managers dream of getting when the games actually count. Not selected in the 2025 draft, his defensive activity made the 6-foot-11 center a fan favorite as a rookie. And that should remain the case, especially if Cardwell can provide value similar to what he did on Monday. Of course, fantasy managers won’t expect to see him put up eight “stocks” and 12 rebounds consistently, but rotation minutes should be available. And if the Kings find a new home for Domantas Sabonis, Cardwell could become a player worth rostering in some standard leagues.

As an undrafted rookie last season, Cardwell was able to make a big impact on the defensive end, which he carried right over into summer league. He isn’t the most dynamic offensive player, but Cardwell is a valuable piece in the Kings’ frontcourt and should be able to contribute defensive stats when he gets the opportunity this upcoming season. However, with Domantas Sabonis healthy, the minutes may not be quite as plentiful.

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.

Rostered in eight percent of Yahoo! leagues, Cardwell provided fantasy managers with an excellent stat line on Sunday. One game removed from blocking five shots in a win over the Pelicans, the rookie center recorded four more in the 138-109 loss to the Clippers. Add in the rebounds, steals and field-goal percentage, and Cardwell’s performance was an excellent capper to his Week 23. For fantasy managers in leagues that run through Week 24, the Kings play three games, and Cardwell should continue to play extended minutes.