Kings Get Much-Needed Update on Ben Simmons' Status for Warriors Game

The NBA world will have its eyes on the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night. Sure, it helps that they are facing off against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, but more notably, Ben Simmons is finally making his unofficial Kings debut.

After missing the Kings' first two preseason games, each a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, Simmons has been removed from Sacramento's availability report for Saturday's matchup in Golden State, meaning he is ready to suit up. This is a highly anticipated debut, not only for the Kings, but for any NBA fan eager to see how the former first-overall pick performs after a year-long hiatus.

Ben Simmons is good to go

It appears that Ben Simmons and Keegan Murray are set to make their preseason debut this evening:

From Kings:

AVAILABILITY vs. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS 10/10

Domantas Sabonis: OUT

Malik Monk: OUT

Dylan Cardwell: OUT
— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) October 10, 2026

Unfortunately, the Kings will still not be at full strength against the Warriors, with Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk, and Dylan Cardwell ruled out, but having Simmons and Keegan Murray ready to make their preseason debuts is exciting.

There has been plenty of talk about Simmons this offseason, with optimism that he is back to being the All-Star-caliber player he once was. After a few down years with the Brooklyn Nets and L.A. Clippers, Simmons could be ready to revive his career in Sacramento, but we still need to keep our expectations realistic.

At his best, Simmons could be the two-way weapon the Kings have been begging for. He has the tools to be one of the league's most versatile defenders, as he was when he was the Defensive Player of the Year runner-up with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2020-21, while also being a high-level playmaker with the ball in his hands.

However, after sitting out the entire 2025-26 season, there is plenty of uncertainty. At media day, Simmons assured that he is healthy and ready to "dominate," feeling more like the three-time All-Star he once was. On Saturday night against the Warriors, we will finally see if he was being truthful or just optimistic.

Ben Simmons is one of the last Kings players in the gym after practice today. pic.twitter.com/0NEdi1H0lo
— Kevin John (@heykevinjohn) October 7, 2026

Keegan Murray's preseason debut

Of course, the headline is Simmons gearing up to touch an NBA court for the first time since April 2025, but for the Kings, they care just as much about Keegan Murray finally suiting up. Like Simmons, Murray missed both of the Kings' first two preseason games, but he is available for Saturday's contest.

Last season, Murray played just 23 games, with injuries getting the best of him in his fourth year in the NBA. Now, his five-year, $140 million contract is kicking in, and the Kings need him to step up more than ever.

11-STRAIGHT THREES 💰

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE FOR KEEGAN MURRAY 👏 pic.twitter.com/xf3yRt6Ges
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 17, 2023

If he can stay healthy and find his rhythm offensively, Murray should be in for the best season of his career. He has improved tremendously as a defender, and with his on-ball skills showing some promise, he is just offensive consistency away from being a premier all-around talent.

The Kings should be excited to see what they can get from guys like Simmons, Murray, Darius Acuff Jr., and Maxime Raynaud all on the floor together, so look for Doug Christie to experiment with some lineups.

The Kings and Warriors are set to face off on Saturday night at 5:30 p.m. PT in San Francisco.

Follow us on Facebook and X for the latest Sacramento Kings news.

Add us as a preferred source on Google