The four-game NBA preseason is a valuable time for teams to implement and test new schemes or identities. Minutes are often limited on starters as a preventative measure for injuries, along with allowing their top players to work their way into game shape gradually.
Unfortunately, Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray suffered a right thumb injury that could sideline him for nearly 20 games.
Murray suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb during the second quarter of Friday’s preseason game in Portland, the Kings announced Sunday.
Per the team, “he will undergo surgery and be re-evaluated in approximately four to six weeks.”
It’s painful timing for the Kings and Murray, who have until October 20th to negotiate an extension. If nothing is agreed upon, the former fourth-overall pick would become a restricted free agent.
Head coach Doug Christie’s job didn’t get any easier either. Murray is Sacramento’s most versatile player, consistently making an impact on both ends of the floor.
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“It’s tough because Keegan has size, strength, athleticism, and he shoots 40% [from three],” Christie said after Sunday’s first practice without his expected starting power forward.
Six weeks from the announcement (Nov. 23rd), Sacramento will have played 17 of its 82 regular-season games. The shorter projected date of four weeks would cause him to miss nine games.
The next two preseason games will provide an opportunity for various options to prove they deserve the spot.
“That’s an anchor that we rely on,” DeMar DeRozan said of Murray. “So, we’ve got the next couple of weeks to figure that out.”
Keon Ellis and Malik Monk have experience starting, but their starting unit would be notably smaller and likely asking DeRozan to guard up.
Veteran players Dario Saric and Doug McDermott are options, but their youth could step in. Rookie Nique Clifford started the second half in Portland following Murray’s exit.
When asked about their potential chances in the coming weeks, DeRozan said it’s “an opportunity.”
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“You want an opportunity when you’re a young guy, this is an opportunity,” he said Sunday. “You’ve got to be ready when your name is called, when your number is called, and see what you’ve got.”
Second-round pick Maxime Raynaud was seen wearing a starter’s practice jersey at the end of practice.
It seems Christie will use their remaining preseason games and practices to determine the best route forward.
Throughout the evaluation process, the first-year head coach said he’s going to value how the four other starters’ opinions throughout the process.
“In my opinion, you have to listen to your players sometimes as well, he said. “I think we need to let it all play out, give guys opportunities to put their best foot forward, see the rhythm of what they’re doing — not only on the offensive end, which is a big part of it, but more importantly, for me, on the defensive end — see what they do, and (the other starters) will communicate with you.”
October 22nd’s regular-season opener in Phoenix is 10 days away, with remaining preseason matchups against the Clippers and Lakers.
There’s no comparable player to Murray on Sacramento’s roster, whose extension status remains an unknown, leaving the Kings in a challenging spot.
More Sacramento Kings coverage on Sactown Sports
The Sacramento Kings are less than two weeks away from opening up the 2025-26 season in Phoenix, and the plot continues to thicken when it comes to Russell Westbrook’s free agency.
Sacramento has been linked to the former NBA MVP since before the free agency floodgates opened in late June, but no deal has come to fruition as the preseason rolls on and the start of the regular season approaches.
Things have been quiet on the Kings-Westbrook front for some time, but ESPN’s Shams Charania re-emphasized the link between the two parties during Friday’s telecast of NBA Today.
“I’m told there is strong mutual interest between Russell Westbrook and the Sacramento Kings,” Charania said. “The Kings have a need for a reserve point guard… He’s got relationships across that organization. Domantas Sabonis he’s close with, played with him. He also played with Dennis Schroder. DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine have LA ties.
Read More:
Shams: Kings, Westbrook have ‘strong mutual interest’ as season nears
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Preseason
Wednesday, October 15th vs. Los Angeles Clippers – 7 PM PT
Friday, October 17th @ Los Angeles Lakers – 7 PM PT
Regular Season
Wednesday, October 22nd – @ Phoenix Suns – 7 PM PT
Friday, October 24th – vs. Utah Jazz – 7 PM PT
Sunday, October 26th – vs. Los Angeles Lakers – 6 PM PT
Tuesday, October 28th – @ Oklahoma City Thunder – 5 PM PT
Wednesday, October 29th – @ Chicago Bulls – 5 PM PT
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