Update on Kings rookie Keegan Murray’s injury and lineup options vs. San Antonio Spurs
Kings rookie Keegan Murray was not expected to play against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday after suffering a back injury in Tuesday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets.
Murray was initially listed as questionable for Thursday’s game at Golden 1 Center due to lower back soreness, but his status was downgraded to doubtful following the team’s morning shootaround. The Kings said Murray was continuing to progress and his injury was not believed to be a long-term issue.
The Spurs had already ruled out Zach Collins (fibula) and Romeo Langford (health and safety protocols). They updated their injury report Thursday to include Keldon Johnson (left ankle soreness) and Doug McDermott (left calf tightness), both of whom were listed as questionable.
Murray was injured when he lunged for the ball while going for a steal in the second quarter of Sacramento’s 153-121 victory over the Nets in a nationally televised game on TNT. He left the game with 9:26 remaining in the first half and did not return.
Murray, a 6-foot-8 forward who came out of Iowa as the No. 4 pick in June’s NBA draft, is averaging 12.0 points and 3.7 rebounds. He is shooting 45.1% from the field and 37.5% from 3-point range.
If Murray is unable to play against the Spurs, the Kings could start Terence Davis or Malik Monk in a three-guard lineup. They could also stay with a more traditional lineup with Trey Lyles or Chimezie Metu at the power forward spot.
Monk is averaging 12.1 points and 4.4 assists while shooting 43% from the field and 36.8% from 3-point range. Davis, who erupted for 31 points against the Nets on Tuesday, is averaging 8.4 points on 50.7% shooting from the field and 41.3% shooting from beyond the arc.
Lyles and Metu would give the Kings more size and length in the starting lineup. Lyles is averaging 6.5 points and 2.7 rebounds. Metu is averaging 4.4 points and 2.7 rebounds.
This story was originally published November 17, 2022 at 12:12 PM.
