SACRAMENTO KINGS

Kings rookie Keegan Murray set to return on Sunday vs Detroit

Nov 19, 2022, 1:51 PM | Updated: 2:04 pm

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings looks on in the thir...

(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

BY FRANKIE CARTOSCELLI
Sacramento Kings Beat Writer

After missing Thursday night’s win over the San Antonio Spurs due to back soreness, Sacramento Kings rookie Keegan Murray is nearing a return to action.

The 22-year-old was back at practice on Saturday after taking the past three days off and it’s expected that Murray will be available for Sacramento’s matchup against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday afternoon.

“I feel good. I’ve been feeling better the past couple of days, so I’m on the right track,” Murray said on Saturday regarding his medical status.

Murray explained the injury that took place during the second quarter of Tuesday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets as it appeared that the fourth-overall pick from June’s NBA Draft overextended himself in an attempt to pick off a pass.

“I went for a steal and thought I tweaked it, and I couldn’t really run so I called for a sub and went to the back. We have the best medical team, so I’ve been in good hands.”

Sacramento is currently on a five-game winning streak and turning heads across the basketball world thanks to a high-powered offense and a victory beam that you can view from around the downtown area. The Kings are seeking its first six-game winning streak since January 11-20, 2005.

Murray has been a large part of the Kings’ success this season as the rookie is averaging 12.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game on 45 percent shooting from the field and 38 percent from beyond the three-point arc.

The Kings will need Murray in the fold for a tough upcoming stretch of games as they will begin a four-game road trip on Tuesday in Memphis–the first game of a back-to-back that will conclude on Wednesday night in Atlanta. Friday’s game against the NBA-best Boston Celtics will mark the end of the trip before the team returns to Golden 1 Center for a matchup with the dangerous Phoenix Suns.

Monk Goes To The Dentist

In other injury news for the Kings, guard Malik Monk did not participate in Saturday’s practice after undergoing a dental procedure.

Although Monk is currently listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Detroit, a team source indicated that there is optimism the 24-year-old will be available when Sacramento takes the floor against old friend Marvin Bagley III and the Pistons.

Over his last eight games, Monk is averaging 16.6 points and 4.5 assists while shooting 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from three-point range, and 90 percent from the free-throw line.