Keegan Murray Injury Update: Latest Injury Details and Return Date

The Sacramento Kings have suffered a major blow ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season. Rising forward Keegan Murray has sustained a serious thumb injury that will sideline him for the early part of the campaign. Fans and analysts alike are closely following the Keegan Murray Injury Update, as the young star’s absence could significantly impact the Kings’ playoff ambitions.

Keegan Murray Injury Details

During a preseason clash against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night, Keegan Murray suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left thumb, the team confirmed. The injury occurred during the second quarter after Murray attempted to strip the ball mid-air and landed awkwardly on his non-shooting hand.
Following medical evaluation, the Kings announced that Murray will undergo surgery and be reevaluated in four to six weeks, ruling him out for at least the first 10 games of the NBA regular season. This marks the first significant injury of Murray’s professional career. Known for his consistency and durability, the 24-year-old forward has appeared in 233 of 246 possible games since being drafted, missing only a handful of contests due to minor knocks. His absence now leaves a noticeable gap in Sacramento’s lineup on both ends of the floor.

Impact on the Kings and Replacement Options

The timing of the Keegan Murray Injury couldn’t be worse for the Sacramento Kings. The Kings were preparing to open the season with high expectations, aiming to build on their recent playoff appearance and solidify themselves as a Western Conference contender. Murray, entering his fourth NBA season, has been central to that plan. As a starting power forward, Murray provides elite spacing and perimeter defense. Over his first three seasons, he has connected on 543 career three-pointers and evolved into one of Sacramento’s most dependable two-way players. Losing him at this stage removes both a top shooter and one of the team’s best wing defenders.
In Murray’s absence, head coach Mike Brown will need to reshuffle the rotation. Dario Šarić is expected to get the first crack at starting in his place, offering veteran experience and floor-stretching ability. Other potential replacements include Malik Monk, Keon Ellis, and rookie Nique Clifford, depending on how the Kings wish to balance their offensive and defensive schemes. The rest of the likely starting lineup will feature Dennis Schröder, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis, an offensively gifted group but one that loses a key defensive presence without Murray.

Keegan Murray Recovery Timeline and Return Date

The Keegan Murray Injury Update indicates that he will be reevaluated after four to six weeks post-surgery. If his recovery goes smoothly, Murray could potentially return by late November or early December 2025, just as the season begins to take shape. His progress will depend on post-surgical rehabilitation and how quickly he regains grip strength and shooting comfort in his left hand. The Kings’ medical staff will likely take a cautious approach to avoid long-term complications, especially with Murray being eligible for a contract extension before the October 20 deadline. If an extension isn’t reached, Murray will enter restricted free agency next summer, making his recovery and form this season even more critical for both his future and the Kings’ long-term plans.