Keegan Murray's Injury-Plagued Season Dealt Another Blow with Ankle Sprain
The Sacramento Kings' difficult season has been compounded by another significant injury to a key player. Forward Keegan Murray is expected to miss three to four weeks after an MRI confirmed a moderate left ankle sprain, the team announced Tuesday.
The injury occurred during the third quarter of Sunday's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Murray drove into the paint, was met by Bucks center Myles Turner, and attempted a difficult mid-air pass. The play resulted in an awkward landing, with Murray immediately grabbing his left ankle and requiring assistance to leave the court.
This setback marks the latest in a series of physical setbacks for the 25-year-old. His 2025-26 campaign began with a delay due to offseason thumb surgery that caused him to miss the season's first 15 games. He had only recently returned from a separate calf injury that sidelined him for two games in late December. Having signed a five-year, $140 million extension this fall, Murray has now been limited to just 19 appearances this season.
His absence is a substantial loss for a Kings team already decimated by injuries and struggling mightily. Sacramento possesses the NBA's third-worst record at 8-28 and the league's worst average point differential at minus-12. The team is currently mired in a five-game losing streak, with each defeat coming by double digits.
While rookie Maxime Raynaud returned from a recent scare to start Sunday, the Kings continue to operate without three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis, who is recovering from a meniscus injury. The recent return of two-time All-Star guard Zach LaVine from his own ankle issue has done little to stem the tide of losses.
Murray's personal production this season has also dipped amid the physical struggles. While averaging 14.6 points and 6.1 rebounds, his shooting efficiency (42.9% from the field, 27.2% from three-point range) marks career lows. For a franchise in desperate need of stability and positive momentum, the extended absence of one of its foundational young players represents a severe challenge as they navigate the remainder of a trying season.
