Keegan

Murray

After scoring 15 points in his first game back from a sprained ankle on Thursday, Murray put up 20 as part of a complete stat line on Saturday. Also of note for the Kings forward was that he played a team-high 36 minutes. While DeMar DeRozan (20/1/5/2/1 in 35 minutes) and Russell Westbrook (7/3/2/1/1 with one three-pointer in 21 minutes) don’t appear to be part of the Kings’ long-term plans, Murray should be the priority over the final two months of the regular season. If the Kings take that approach, it should bode well for fantasy managers who have him rostered.

Murray took the floor for the first time in over a month and finished with a solid overall stat line. He played 32 minutes, despite the score being as one-sided as it was, and did most of his damage from behind the three-point line. Murray also did well on the glass and finished just a couple of boards shy of a double-double. Thursday marked just the 20th game of the season for the versatile forward who’s had unfortunate injuries in his fourth NBA season. If he can start to string together some games, the rust should come off, and his production could increase.

While Hunter participated in Wednesday’s practice, he is not yet ready to play in games. The good news for the Kings is that Keegan Murray (ankle) will be available for the first time since late January. He should absorb a good percentage of the minutes that would go to Hunter.

Murray, who has only appeared in 19 games this season, has been out since January 4 with a sprained left ankle. While he’s expected to play on Thursday, fantasy managers should anticipate the forward being under a minutes restriction. Precious Achiuwa could be bumped to the bench, especially with the Kings’ lack of healthy post players.

Murray is progressing from his mild left ankle sprain. While the 25-year-old small forward is set to miss another two weeks, at which point he’ll be re-evaluated by the team, he’s been cleared for on-court activities. Murray’s initial recovery timeline was up to a month, but we won’t have another update on his health for an additional two weeks.

Murray suffered the injury in Sunday’s matchup with Milwaukee, and the injury will keep him out through the end of January at the earliest. Precious Achiuwa is the most likely beneficiary of Murray’s absence from a fantasy hoops perspective, but Nique Clifford is also in the mix to see increased run.

Murray left Sunday’s game against the Bucks with a left ankle sprain and didn’t return. The 25-year-old small forward is now ruled out well in advance of Tuesday’s game against the Mavericks. Dennis Schröder is a candidate to pick up minutes with Murray out. Expect another update from the Kings on Murray’s ankle in the coming days.

Murray sprained his left ankle on a third-quarter drive to the basket, landing awkwardly after colliding with Milwaukee’s Myles Turner. He was immediately taken back to the locker room and has since been ruled out. Dennis Schröder has picked up additional minutes in Murray’s absence, helping spark Sacramento’s rally to begin the fourth quarter.

Murray made three three-pointers against the Kings, but even more impressive was his consistent mid-range game. The 25-year-old small forward was 3-of-5 from behind the three-point line and 6-of-12 from inside it. Murray didn’t get much help from his teammates, though, as the Kings lost by 27. He’s scored at least 20 points for just the second time in his last 13 games. Murray will look to keep the hot hand going against the Bucks on Sunday.

Murray returned from his calf injury much sooner than many may have expected, as he was back in the lineup on Tuesday after a two-game absence. Interestingly, he played 30 minutes despite the game getting out of hand by halftime. The only important takeaway from Tuesday’s game for Murray managers is that he got through it without aggravating the calf injury. The Kings play three games over the final four days of Week 11, starting with a back-to-back on Thursday/Friday against the Celtics and Suns. We’ll see if Murray is available for all three.