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Kings’ Doug Christie on sitting Ben Simmons: ‘There’s a bigger picture here’

Ben Simmons’ home debut with the Kings will have to wait. Doug Christie is more concerned with keeping him available once the games count. Simmons sat out Tuesday’s 110-98 preseason loss to Portland after making his Sacramento debut Saturday against…

By Hoops Wire · Yard Barker

Published: Wednesday, 14 October 2026 at 6:13 PM

Key Things to Know

Doug Christie stated Ben Simmons was rested against Portland to prioritize his regular-season availability.
Simmons sat out Sacramento's 110-98 preseason loss to the Trail Blazers following his debut against Golden State.
Simmons has not appeared in a regular-season contest since April 2025 after missing all of last season.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Sacramento Kings assistant coach Doug Christie addressed the decision to sit Ben Simmons during Tuesday's 110-98 preseason loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Simmons, who made his Sacramento debut against Golden State on Saturday, was held out for workload management. Christie emphasized that the primary goal is ensuring Simmons remains healthy and available for the upcoming 82-game regular season.

Simmons missed the entire previous season and has not played in a regular-season game since April 2025. Along with Simmons, the Kings were missing key players including Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, and Malik Monk as they fell to 0-4 in exhibition play with one preseason contest remaining.

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Kings’ Doug Christie on sitting Ben Simmons: ‘There’s a bigger picture here’

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