Precious

Achiuwa

Simmons’ 2026-27 season reportedly ended in devastating fashion days before his official return to the NBA. The 6-foot-10 guard/forward signed with the Kings with the expectation that he would back up rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr. However, Simmons showed enough during the preseason to earn a starting spot alongside Acuff. Sunday’s injury changes that, obviously, with Precious Achiuwa and De’Andre Hunter being potential replacements in the starting five. As for the point guard rotation, Malik Monk will be asked to take on more playmaking responsibilities off the bench.

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 missing practice on Monday, Cardwell is now set to miss the start of the season. Maxime Raynaud (knee) has also been ruled out for the start of the season, so the Kings will be thin down low behind Domantas Sabonis. Precious Achiuwa will likely be tasked with filling the void in a limited capacity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Back in the lineup after sitting out Tuesday’s loss to the Hornets, Achiuwa recorded the kind of stat line that has made him a popular option during the silly season. Since the All-Star break, the Kings forward has been a top-50 player in eight- and nine-cat formats. Achiuwa is rostered in 35 percent of Yahoo! leagues, so he may still be on the waiver wire in some 12-team formats. With the Kings playing on Saturday and Sunday, adding Achiuwa is worth the risk.