Ben Simmons Sits Out Preseason Opener for Load Management

Sacramento Kings forward Ben Simmons did not play in Monday's preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers due to non-injury-related rest as the team deliberately opts to ramp up his workload cautiously. The 30-year-old is not expected to play in the opener but is reportedly targeting a return to game action later in the week, eyeing potential matchups against either the Lakers on October 8 or the Golden State Warriors on October 10 as he prepares for the upcoming season.