Kings rookie Keegan Murray could return vs. Detroit Pistons; Malik Monk is questionable
Kings rookie Keegan Murray could be back in the lineup when his team faces the Detroit Pistons on Sunday at Golden 1 Center.
The Kings said Murray is expected to play against the Pistons after missing Thursday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs due to lower back soreness.
“I feel good,” Murray said. “I’m feeling better these last couple days, so I’m on the right track.”
Murray was a full participant in Saturday’s practice. Malik Monk, however, missed practice because of a dental procedure. Monk is considered questionable for Sunday’s game, but the Kings were optimistic that he would be available.
The Kings (8-6) have won five in a row and eight of 10. They haven’t won six in a row since the 2004-05 season.
The Pistons (3-14) have lost six in a row. They are coming off a 128-121 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Marvin Bagley III, who spent four seasons in Sacramento after coming out of Duke as the No. 2 pick in the 2018 NBA draft, is averaging 8.8 points and 5.0 rebounds in four games for Detroit. He missed the first 13 games due to injury.
Murray hurt his back when he lunged for the ball while going for a steal in the second quarter of Tuesday’s 153-121 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. He left the game with 9:26 remaining in the first half and did not return.
Murray is averaging 12.0 points and 3.7 rebounds. He is shooting 45.1% from the field and 37.5% from 3-point range.
Monk is averaging 13.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists. He is shooting 45% from the field and 37.7% from 3-point range.
The Kings are No. 1 in the NBA in scoring at 120.3 points per game. They are No. 2 in bench scoring (42.8).
The Pistons, meanwhile, have struggled despite having an exciting young core that features Cade Cunningham, rookie Jaden Ivey and Saddiq Bey. The Pistons are 28th in the NBA in scoring (108.2 ppg) and 29th in opponent points per game (117.5).
This story was originally published November 19, 2022 at 12:53 PM.
