Ben Simmons Tears Achilles: Kings Week 1 Survivor Pick Fallout

Ben Simmons out for the season

Sacramento announced Sunday that guard Ben Simmons, 30, tore his Achilles tendon and will undergo surgery. It's a brutal turn for a veteran who had put together an impressive training camp on short notice — and the injury is likely to cost him the entire season.

Simmons' absence removes a playmaking piece just as the Kings open their schedule, and it's the kind of news survivor players need to factor in before locking a Week 1 entry.

What it means for your Week 1 survivor pick

Sacramento's slate gives you three looks. The Kings open on the road against the Clippers, where LA is favored by 4.5 — meaning the oddsmakers lean against Sacramento in that one. From there, the Kings host Portland and then Memphis, both without a posted spread in our data yet.

If you were eyeing Sacramento as a survivor pick, losing a camp standout like Simmons only adds uncertainty — this isn't a team you want to lean on blind, especially as a road underdog to the Clippers. On the flip side, that same matchup makes LAC worth a closer look if you need a favorite. As always, check the spread and let the number guide you rather than the name.

For more matchup breakdowns, see our NBA knockout pool picks, and if you're not in a pool yet, you can start a free survivor pool in minutes.