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Kings F Keegan Murray Injury Update: Full Participant at Practice

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Kings
By Logan Struck | Last updated 12/1/23

The Sacramento Kings have been without rising star Keegan Murray for the past four outings, but his return to action looks promising. Murray returned to practice in limited fashion on Tuesday but took the court as a full participant in Friday's practice.

The Kings have gone 2-2 with Murray sidelined after he suffered a lower back injury in last week's loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Sacramento desperately needs their two-way wing on the court to compete for the In-Season Tournament championship.

Sacramento faces New Orleans in the quarterfinals of the elimination rounds but has a tough matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Saturday before they return to In-Season Tournament action on Monday. Murray returning to practice as a full participant is a step in the right direction for a Sacramento squad entering a competitive stretch of games.

Keegan Murray was a full participant in today’s practice.

The Kings will wait to see how he feels later today before making a decision on his status for tomorrow vs Denver.
— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) December 1, 2023

After returning to practice on Tuesday, Murray told reporters how the only thing keeping him off the court was the pain he felt, as he needs to see what his body can handle before returning to action.

Keegan Murray talks about the progress he’s made from the soreness in his lower back keeping him out of the last two games, how his return depends upon pain tolerance and his view of the Kings playing without him. pic.twitter.com/rlaW3e35mY
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) November 28, 2023

After breaking the NBA record for most three-pointers made in a rookie season, Murray has made significant strides on the defensive end to start his sophomore year. For a Kings squad that had a historical offense but below-average defense last season, the substantial leaps that Murray has made could be enough to propel Sacramento into championship contention.

Murray's status for Saturday's marquee matchup against the Nuggets remains uncertain.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Kings and was syndicated with permission.

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