SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
The Sacramento Kings open the 2026-27 season Oct. 21 against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome.
Sacramento finished last season with a 22-60 record, missing the playoffs for the third consecutive season. The Kings finished the preseason 0-5 against Western Conference opponents, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs.
The Kings return to Golden 1 Center on Oct. 23 to host the Trail Blazers in their home opener. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Ben Simmons suffers season-ending Achilles injury
Ben Simmons tore his right Achilles tendon during a live drill at practice Oct. 18. The Kings announced an MRI confirmed the injury and Simmons is expected to miss the 2026-27 season.
Sacramento signed Simmons to a one-year, $3.5 million contract in September. The Kings hoped the former No. 1 overall draft pick could strengthen the team’s backcourt after missing the 2025-26 season while recovering from injuries, including chronic lower back issues.
In his final preseason game with Sacramento, Simmons recorded 14 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
The three-time NBA All-Star had been expected to start in his return to regular-season play. His injury leaves Sacramento without a key offseason addition before the regular season begins.
Kings announce 2026-27 opening-night roster
The Kings announced their opening-night roster Oct. 19 after waiving Viktor Lakhin, Tristen Newton and Elfrid Payton. Simmons remains on the roster but is expected to miss the season because of his Achilles injury.
Guards
Darius Acuff Jr.Zach LaVineMalik MonkEmanuel SharpAdam Flagler
Guards/forwards
Nique CliffordDaeqwon Plowden
Forwards
Keegan MurrayBen SimmonsDe’Andre HunterAlex KarabanJonathan MogboLeaky BlackPrecious Achiuwa
Centers
Domantas SabonisMaxime RaynaudDylan Cardwell
Rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr., the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, is expected to make his highly anticipated NBA regular-season debut against the Clippers. In four preseason games, Acuff averaged 17.3 points, 3.8 assists and 1.8 rebounds.
Key home games and theme nights
The Kings’ 2026-27 home schedule features matchups against several Western Conference rivals, along with themed promotional nights throughout the season.
NBA stars and teams visiting Sacramento this season include Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers and Jalen Brunson and the defending champion New York Knicks.
Oct. 23: Home opener vs. Portland Trail BlazersNov. 4: vs. Los Angeles LakersNov. 6: Emirates NBA Cup game vs. San Antonio SpursNov. 18: Native American Heritage Night vs. Phoenix SunsNov. 21: Queen Night vs. Boston CelticsDec. 13: Peanuts Night vs. New Orleans PelicansDec. 27: SpongeBob Night vs. Utah JazzDec. 29: vs. Philadelphia 76ersDec. 31: Game Night vs. Brooklyn NetsJan. 8: vs. New York KnicksJan. 10: Sesame Street Day vs. Charlotte HornetsJan. 19: City Edition Night vs. Los Angeles LakersFeb. 4: Black History Month Celebration vs. Minnesota TimberwolvesFeb. 6: Lunar New Year Celebration vs. Phoenix SunsMarch 6: Lowrider Night vs. LA ClippersMarch 10: vs. Golden State WarriorsMarch 14: Slamson’s Birthday vs. Cleveland CavaliersMarch 27: Hello Kitty Night vs. Toronto RaptorsApril 4: vs. Golden State WarriorsApril 9: Final regular-season home game vs. Dallas Mavericks
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