Keegan Murray (back) fully participates in Kings practice
Dec 7, 2023, 1:58 PM
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
It was a concerning sight for Sacramento Kings fans when Keegan Murray grabbed his lower back and headed for the locker room during Monday night’s loss against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Murray, who has been dealing with a lower back injury described as sacroiliac (SI) joint irritation, returned to action following a four-game absence last weekend during Sacramento’s win over the defending champion Denver Nuggets.
While Murray appeared to suffer no setbacks over 23 minutes against the Nuggets, he grabbed at his lower back near the end of the first half on Monday after contesting a Brandon Ingram jumper before departing the game.
Murray returned to finish the game but sat out of Wednesday’s practice for extra rest during a rare three-day break for the Kings.
On Thursday, the 23-year-old returned to the practice floor and was a full participant, per a league source.
More information regarding Murray’s status for Friday’s game against the Phoenix Suns will be provided when Sacramento releases its injury report on Thursday afternoon, but the fact that the sharpshooter returned to the floor is a good sign.
Keegan Murray was a full participant in today’s Kings practice after sitting out yesterday.
His status for tomorrow’s game will be updated this evening, but a good sign for Murray as he works through a back issue.
— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) December 7, 2023
More on Kings forward Keegan Murray
Murray has struggled to find his offense during the early stages of the 2023-24 season.
Over 15 appearances, Murray is averaging 12.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game on 38 percent shooting from the field and 30 percent from three-point range.
Shooting the basketball has been an issue for Murray, who has been unable to replicate last year’s All-Rookie First Team production that saw the Iowa product break the NBA Rookie three-point record while shooting 41 percent from deep.
Murray has been more aggressive on offense in Year 2, meaning we are seeing more drives to the basket and floaters in the lane from the former top-four draft pick instead of acting as a spot-up threat.
It’s early in the season, but Sacramento (11-8) could use a bump in production from their up-and-coming wing. The only question is, can Murray take the floor without being limited by his back ailment?
Appears to have happened on this play https://t.co/NSG9YbQIPA pic.twitter.com/wqsSviyfd4
— Brenden Nunes (@BrendenNunesNBA) December 5, 2023
When is the next Sacramento Kings Game?
The Kings will travel to Phoenix on Friday night, where they will face Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns for the first time this season.
Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Suns coverage, beginning at 4:30 PM PST on Game Night before a 6:00 PM PST tip-off from downtown Phoenix.
Upcoming Schedule
- Friday, December 8th – Sacramento Kings @ Phoenix Suns – 6:00 PM PST
- Monday, December 11th – Sacramento Kings vs. Brooklyn Nets – 7:00 PM PST
- Tuesday, December 12th – Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Clippers – 7:30 PM PST
- Thursday, December 14th – Sacramento Kings vs. Oklahoma City Thunder – 7:00 PM PST
- Saturday, December 16th – Sacramento Kings vs. Utah Jazz – 7:00 PM PST
** NBA In-Season Tournament Knockout Round
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