Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings dunks the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 10, 2025 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings will be without their best team defender and arguably their best individual defender to start the 2025-2026 NBA campaign.

Per the team, Keegan Murray left the game on Friday against Portland with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb. Keegan will undergo surgery and will be reevaluated in 4-6 weeks.

Going into his fourth season, Keegan was viewed by many as a real X-factor for the Kings’ success this season. Keegan will be a restricted free agent going into the summer of 2026 and was certainly playing for a large contract during this season if all went according to plan.

It was a tough blow for the Kings, who are trying to implement a defense and effort-first mentality that Keegan’s game fits very well into. Now, the Kings will need to rally together to fill the large defensive void that Keegan leaves behind until his return, most likely in December. However, his exact return date remains unclear and may be longer.

Kings head coach Doug Christie had his initial reactions with the media on Sunday after the news came out.

“It’s tough,” Doug said. “Obviously, it’s the nature of our business though. You just gotta deal with it. I feel sorry for him. All the work that he has put in. He’ll be fine. He will be able to work out and do things but obviously not use his hands. Send him lots of love and get well soon.”

It’s not yet decided how the Kings plan to fill the void. Doug Christie spoke further on how the Kings may replace Keegan’s contributions.

“Yeah, it’s tough. Keegan has size, strength, athleticism, and he shoots 40%. So I think everyone’s looking for that. We have a couple different guys that could maybe equal Keegan, but we don’t have Keegan. Replacing it is definitely difficult, but guys have other strengths… we don’t know. We will have to wait and see.”

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.