The Sacramento Kings will be without starting forward Keegan Murray for at least four to six weeks. So… now what?
Murray, who suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb during Friday’s preseason matchup in Portland, will undergo surgery that will sideline him for the first month-plus of the 2025-26 regular season.
When it comes to replacing Murray in the starting lineup, there’s no easy choice for first-year head coach Doug Christie.
Christie has often expressed that he values who finishes a game more than who starts it. However, Kings fans have witnessed Sacramento struggle with sluggish starts in the first quarter, putting them at a disadvantage early on over the past two seasons.
How will the Kings adapt to life without Murray? Who would you put in the starting five on October 22nd when Sacramento faces Phoenix to begin the regular season?
Let us know by casting your vote below:
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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.
“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.
Kings will “give guys opportunities” in absence of Keegan Murray
When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
Sacramento will continue its preseason slate of games on Wednesday night when it returns home for a matchup against the new-look Los Angeles Clippers at Golden 1 Center.
Be sure to catch all of the Kings vs. Clippers action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 5:30 PM PT on Game Night before a 7 pm PT tip-off from downtown Sacramento.
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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