Kings F Keegan Murray Ruled Out for Second Consecutive Game

The Sacramento Kings will be without their rising star as they head into a tough matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

After what seemed to be an injury-free 2022-23 season, the Sacramento Kings have caught the injury bug to start their new campaign. In Wednesday's 117-112 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, the Kings had three players sidelined and another three playing through injuries. 

After heating up with a six-game win streak, the Kings have lost back-to-back games, but they can regain momentum with a pivotal game coming up. Sacramento takes on the Minnesota Timberwolves in an In-Season Tournament Group Play matchup on Friday, but the only problem is that they are still short-handed.

Jason Andreson of The Sacramento Bee reports that F Keegan Murray will miss his second consecutive game with lower back soreness as the Kings travel to Minnesota.

Murray, 23, has developed into a go-to third option in the Kings lineup next to All-Stars De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. Sacramento's offensive and defensive capabilities are limited with Murray sidelined, leaving a significant hole on both sides of the ball.

In Wednesday's five-point loss against the Pelicans, the Kings were able to keep the game close without Murray. Chris Duarte started in his place, but it was ultimately F Trey Lyles making his season debut off the bench and F Harrison Barnes stepping up with a 22-point performance that was the difference. With Lyles back in action, the Kings have more hope with Murray sidelined, but they have yet to have the team at full strength this season.

As they head into a tough matchup in Minnesota, the Kings will continue to need guys like Barnes and Lyles to step up in Murray's absence, or else they will fall into a downward spiral losing streak.

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