Cunningham: Why the Kings are taking a cautious approach to preseason

The Sacramento Kings’ preseason questions aren’t getting many answers on the court.

Sacramento sat eight players in Tuesday’s 110-98 loss to Portland, leaving the team with one preseason game to go and plenty of uncertainty about who will be ready for the regular-season opener.

KCRA 3’s Sean Cunningham joined Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross to discuss the absences and why the Kings may be taking a cautious approach.

With a roster that dealt with significant injuries last season, Cunningham said Sacramento has reason to be careful with its veterans and players returning from longer layoffs.

“I think it’s just an abundance of caution,” Cunningham said. “I think there’s a little gamesmanship.”

Second-year centers Maxime Raynaud (knee) and Dylan Cardwell (calf) are expected to miss several weeks, while other players have dealt with smaller day-to-day issues.

Keegan Murray, returning from ankle surgery, played against Portland after making his preseason debut against Golden State. Ben Simmons, who has been away from NBA action since the 2024-25 season, is also being ramped up carefully, only appearing for eight minutes in one preseason game thus far.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 10: Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings dunks the ball during the first half of the preseason game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 10, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Godofredo A. Vásquez/Getty Images)

Domantas Sabonis, who played only 19 games last season, also appeared in just one preseason game for the Kings.

Cunningham said the number of absences was unusual, but he cautioned against treating preseason availability as a reliable measure of the team’s health or readiness. Teams don’t have to disclose every minor issue during the exhibition schedule, and Sacramento may be more focused on practice than on getting its rotation players through preseason games.

Still, the lack of shared minutes has made the Kings difficult to evaluate.

Sacramento has been working different combinations, including a group of Precious Achiuwa, De’Andre Hunter and three rookies against Golden State. That unit struggled, but Cunningham said the coaching staff may have wanted to see how the pieces fit.

The bigger concern is how much of the team’s chemistry work will carry into the regular season. Cunningham said people around the team have been encouraged by what they’ve seen in practice, though those sessions can’t fully recreate game conditions.

“You’re going to get this trickle into the regular season,” Cunningham said.

The Sacramento Kings have one more preseason game before the season opens–Friday in San Antonio.

Cunningham expects the team to remain cautious, especially with players returning from injuries or extended absences. For Sacramento, the immediate priority is getting its main rotation healthy enough to build continuity once the games count.

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• George: Sacramento’s preseason injury situation is confusing
• Turner: Sacramento Kings need to find a role for Emanuel Sharp
• Could Ben Simmons play his way into a starting spot?
• Jerry Reynolds: Darius Acuff should be a big part of the offense, not all of it

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (5:00 P.M. PT)

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

• Wednesday, October 21st @ Los Angeles Clippers (7:30 P.M. PT)
• Friday, October 23rd vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Sunday, October 25th vs. Memphis Grizzlies (6:00 P.M. PT)
• Tuesday, October 27th @ San Antonio Spurs (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Thursday, October 29th @ New Orleans Pelicans (5:00 P.M. PT)

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on X/Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Related

UC Davis turns BYE week focus to consistency, Southern UtahGeorge: Sacramento’s preseason injury situation is confusing49ers LB Dre Greenlaw’s appeal denied, will miss game vs. CommandersKings rest majority of rotation during preseason loss to BlazersBonta Hill: Brock Purdy is good enough to win a Super BowlSilver: Brock Purdy is playing Kyle Shanahan’s ideal quarterback