# Ben Simmons gets surprising update ahead of NBA season

> Ben Simmons set to start for Sacramento Kings in NBA season opener.
- Title: Ben Simmons gets surprising update ahead of NBA season
- Summary: Ben Simmons set to start for Sacramento Kings in NBA season opener. Ben Simmons will start for Sacramento Kings in their Oct 21 regular season opener against…
- Keywords: ben simmons, sacramento kings, nba, los angeles clippers, darius acuff, preseason, regular season, Ben, Simmons, gets, surprising, update
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/sports/nba/ben-simmons-gets-surprising-update-ahead-of-nba-season-12562418
- Author: Bryan Colbert Jr.
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ben simmons, sacramento kings, nba, los angeles clippers, darius acuff, preseason, regular season
## Ben Simmons returns to NBA
Ben Simmons made his return to NBA action during Sacramento Kings' preseason game against Golden State Warriors on Saturday.
## Simmons expected to start
According to Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Simmons is expected to start alongside rookie guard Darius Acuff for Sacramento Kings' regular season opener against Los Angeles Clippers on Oct 21.
## Simmons' return significance
Simmons finished with seven points and one assist in nine minutes during Kings' 111-106 loss to Golden State Warriors, marking his first NBA game since April 2025.
## Kings' contract for Simmons
Sacramento signed Simmons to a one-year, $3.5 million contract after general manager Scott Perry evaluated him during a workout in Miami.
## Kings' preseason performance
Sacramento finished the previous season with a 22-60 record, leaving the organization searching for ways to become more competitive in the Western Conference.
## Simmons' role for Kings
Simmons can handle the ball, initiate offense, and defend multiple positions, providing flexibility for Sacramento as they experiment with different lineups.
## Simmons' health concerns
Simmons has not appeared in more than 51 regular-season games since the 2020-21 campaign, and he hopes to play all 82 games this season despite injury history.
## Key takeaway

Ben Simmons will start for Sacramento Kings in their Oct 21 regular season opener against Los Angeles Clippers after returning from 2025-26 season absence.