RADIO
Zach LaVine Uncertain to Face Mavericks on Monday
Sacramento Kings guard/forward Zach LaVine (elbow) is questionable for Monday's game against the Dallas Mavericks with elbow inflammation. LaVine played a season-low 21 minutes in Saturday's lopsided loss to Memphis, finishing with 11 points on 4-for-9 shooting. The 31-year-old has yet to miss a game this season and is averaging 23.5 points, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting 49.5 percent from the field. With Keegan Murray (ankle) already out, Darius Acuff Jr. and De'Andre Hunter would be the strongest candidates to take on more scoring if LaVine sits, while Malik Monk and Emanuel Sharp could also see more touches in the backcourt.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Darius Acuff Jr. Records Monster Line In Loss to Pelicans
Sacramento Kings rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr. showed out with 34 points and 14 assists in Thursday night's loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Acuff became the fourth teenager in NBA history to post a 30-point, 10-assist game, joining LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Stephon Marbury. Acuff, a rookie out of Arkansas, is playing very well to start his NBA career, averaging 24.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. The Kings are off to an 0-5 start to the season and should give Acuff every opportunity to show off his offensive prowess. He already has the looks of an impact fantasy rookie.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Malik Monk Ruled Out Against Clippers
Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers, according to Sean Cunningham. Monk did not appear during the preseason and has been managing left ankle soreness throughout training camp. He averaged 12.5 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 three-pointers across 62 games last season. With Ben Simmons (Achilles) also out for the season, Sacramento's backcourt depth is already being tested. Nique Clifford and Emanuel Sharp should pick up additional minutes, with Clifford carrying the stronger fantasy outlook after averaging 8.6 points and 3.8 rebounds as a rookie.
Source: Sean Cunningham
Source: Sean Cunningham
Ben Simmons Out for the Season with Torn Achilles
Sacramento Kings guard/forward Ben Simmons (Achilles) will miss the 2026-27 season after an MRI confirmed a torn right Achilles tendon, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Simmons suffered the injury during a live drill at Sunday's practice and will undergo surgery. The 30-year-old was preparing to return after sitting out all of last season and averaged 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in two preseason appearances. Darius Acuff Jr. should take on more playmaking responsibility with Simmons out, while De'Andre Hunter, Precious Achiuwa, and Nique Clifford could all be in the mix for the open starting spot. Sacramento hasn't tipped its hand yet, so that battle is worth watching heading into Wednesday.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Ben Simmons Fills the Box Score in Preseason Finale
Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons finished with 14 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and one steal in 26 minutes during Friday's 126-97 preseason loss to the San Antonio Spurs. He shot 5-for-9 from the field and 4-for-4 at the line in just his second exhibition appearance after sitting out all of last season. Simmons started alongside rookie Darius Acuff Jr. and is expected to remain in the first unit for Wednesday's opener against the Clippers. If Simmons keeps getting this kind of run, the assists and rebounds should be useful. The bigger question is whether he can stay healthy enough to hold the role.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Ben Simmons Expected to Begin 2026-27 Season as Starter
Sacramento Kings point guard Ben Simmons is expected to start for the team in 2026-27, according to ESPN's Marc Spears. Simmons started Saturday's preseason game against the Golden State Warriors, playing eight minutes and scoring seven points. Spears said that "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." The former first-overall pick last suited up with the Clippers in April 2025 and averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 2024-25. With Simmons expected to start at the outset of the season, he offers great value in the late rounds as an all-around option. While his health and scoring are concerns, fantasy managers should keep an eye on Simmons in the late rounds this season.
Source: Marc Spears - ESPN
Source: Marc Spears - ESPN
Darius Acuff Jr. Scores 19 Points in Kings Preseason Debut
Sacramento Kings guard Darius Acuff Jr. scored 19 points in Monday's 127-103 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, adding two rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in 27 minutes. The No. 7 overall pick shot 8-for-17 from the field and 1-for-4 from three while scoring 17 points before halftime. It was an encouraging response after Acuff shot just 35.0 percent during Summer League. Zach LaVine played only 15 minutes, giving the rookie extended time to run the offense. If Acuff holds a sizable point-guard role, his scoring and assist production could make him useful quickly.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Ben Simmons Nears Preseason Debut for Kings
Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons is expected to make his preseason debut Thursday against the Lakers or Saturday against Golden State, according to Andscape's Marc J. Spears. Simmons is healthy and has had one of Sacramento's strongest training camps, but the Kings are taking a cautious approach after he missed all of last season while rehabbing back and leg issues. The 30-year-old averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists across 51 games in 2024-25. Sacramento brought him in to provide veteran playmaking behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr., and Simmons could offer some assists and rebounds if he earns steady second-unit minutes.
Source: Marc J. Spears
Source: Marc J. Spears
Zach LaVine Eyes Bounce-Back Season with Kings
Sacramento Kings guard/forward Zach LaVine (hand) is looking for a bounce-back season after undergoing surgery on his right pinky finger in February. LaVine told Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints that his standards remain "extremely high" while acknowledging that his exact role is still taking shape. The 31-year-old averaged 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 39 games last season while shooting 39.0 percent from three. No. 7 pick Darius Acuff Jr. adds another ballhandler to Sacramento's mix, so LaVine's usage is worth watching in camp. His scoring and efficiency should remain useful if he keeps a prominent offensive role.
Source: Tomer Azarly
Source: Tomer Azarly
Elfrid Payton Agrees to Deal with Kings
Free-agent guard Elfrid Payton has agreed to a deal with the Sacramento Kings and will compete for a roster spot, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reports. The 32-year-old reunites with general manager Scott Perry after previous stops together in Orlando and New York. Payton last played in 2024-25, averaging 3.5 points and 6.9 assists across 24 games with New Orleans and Charlotte. His path to minutes is narrow with rookie Darius Acuff Jr. and Ben Simmons ahead in the ball-handling mix, while Sacramento could carry only 14 players to preserve luxury-tax flexibility. Even if Payton makes the team, his fantasy outlook remains limited.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Ben Simmons' Kings Contract is Non-Guaranteed
Sacramento Kings guard/forward Ben Simmons officially signed his one-year deal, but the structure makes this a camp audition more than a rotation promise. HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reports that the contract is non-guaranteed and worth up to $3.5 million, with Simmons earning $1 million if he makes the opening-night roster on Oct. 21 against the Clippers. That adds needed context after Sacramento first agreed to terms with the 30-year-old three-time All-Star last week. Simmons is attempting an NBA comeback after sitting out 2025-26, and Russell Westbrook's retirement left Sacramento with a veteran playmaking void behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr. Malik Monk still has a steadier path to backup creation, while Nique Clifford and Emanuel Sharp are also in the young guard/wing mix. Simmons is worth monitoring in camp, but his fantasy value starts with proving he has a roster spot and real minutes.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Darius Acuff Jr. Draws Top Rookie Billing Ahead of Camp
Sacramento Kings guard Darius Acuff Jr. could finish as the top fantasy rookie from the 2026 class after landing with the Kings at No. 7, ESPN's Eric Moody writes. The 19-year-old averaged 23.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 3.1 rebounds as an Arkansas freshman, sweeping SEC Player and Rookie of the Year honors. Sacramento's veteran exits help clear the runway after DeMar DeRozan was waived and Russell Westbrook retired, while Domantas Sabonis has been reported as a trade candidate with the Kings uninterested in an extension. Summer League offered a warning, though, as Acuff averaged 20.8 points across five games while shooting 35.0 percent from the field and 27.8 percent from deep. Zach LaVine and Malik Monk still carry scoring volume, so Acuff's assists and usage may arrive before the efficiency does.
Source: Eric Moody
Source: Eric Moody
Zach LaVine Optimistic About Kings' Season
Sacramento Kings guard/forward Zach LaVine said his offseason is going well and that he is excited about the team's younger group, according to Logan Struck of Sports Illustrated. LaVine also touched on his leadership role, saying he already texted rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. and plans to connect with more of Sacramento's young players closer to camp. The two-time All-Star picked up his $49 million player option this summer after hand surgery ended his season at 39 games. LaVine averaged 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 39.0 percent from three. He should have scoring volume if healthy, but Acuff's arrival and Domantas Sabonis' playmaking keep LaVine more valuable for points and threes than assists.
Source: Logan Struck
Source: Logan Struck
Ben Simmons Open to Long-Term Stay in Sacramento
Sacramento Kings guard/forward Ben Simmons could be open to staying beyond his one-year deal if the fit works, ESPN's Marc J. Spears told Sactown Sports 1140. Spears described Simmons as a loyal player and said, "I think he'd want to stay" if both sides are happy after this season. Simmons agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract Friday after sitting out all of 2025-26 while working back from chronic back issues. He last played in 2024-25, averaging 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 0.7 steals in 22.0 minutes across 51 games with Brooklyn and the Clippers. His fantasy value depends on whether Doug Christie gives him real second-unit ball-handling work behind Darius Acuff Jr. The assists, rebounds, and steals still help, but the absent jumper and year away keep the risk high.
Source: Sactown Sports 1140
Source: Sactown Sports 1140
Ben Simmons Agrees to One-Year Deal with Kings
Free-agent guard/forward Ben Simmons agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Sacramento Kings, his agents told ESPN's Shams Charania and Marc J. Spears. The 2018 Rookie of the Year is back after sitting out all of 2025-26 and last played in 2024-25, when he averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 0.7 steals in 22.0 minutes across 51 games with Brooklyn and the Clippers. Sacramento had been looking for veteran ball-handling depth behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr., with general manager Scott Perry attending a Florida workout before the deal came together. Simmons still does not offer shooting, so his fantasy case depends on assists, steals, rebounds, and whether he can hold a real second-unit role. Malik Monk is worth tracking if Simmons cuts into backup playmaking reps.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
