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Kings Make Unfortunate Announcement Ahead of Pistons Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Nathaniel Holloway | Last updated Apr 7, 2025 5:49 PM ET

The Sacramento Kings are on the road on Monday night to face the Detroit Pistons as they look to extend their winning streak.

Sacramento enters Monday’s contest amid a two-game winning streak although they have dropped seven of their last 10 games.

They will now look to keep things rolling against a great Pistons team that has won six of their last 10 games.

Ahead of Monday’s matchup, the Kings made an unfortunate injury announcement regarding their young forward Keegan Murray.

Sacramento has ruled out Murray for Monday’s game due to a back injury, which will be the second straight game he has missed after being sidelined in Sunday’s victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Keegan Murray (back) has been ruled out for today’s game in Detroit. Keon Ellis is still listed as questionable.
— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) April 7, 2025

This is a massive blow to the Kings who need their core completely healthy if they want to hold onto a playoff spot during the final week of the regular season.

Murray has played a key role for Sacramento this season as he is averaging 12.5 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 44.6% from the field and 34.8% from three-point range.

Not only is Murray a great scorer, but he is arguably the team’s best defender, which will be a massive loss for the Kings in Monday’s game.

With Murray sidelined, Trey Lyles is in line for another start after he recorded seven points and eight rebounds in 40 minutes in Sunday’s victory in place of Murray.

Of course, Murray may not be the only King sidelined on Monday as they have also listed Keon Ellis as questionable due to right hand soreness and Sacramento has also ruled out Jake LaRavia due to a thumb injury.

If Ellis is sidelined like Murray on Monday, expect Malik Monk to return to the starting lineup in his place.

Fans can catch Monday’s matchup between the Kings and Pistons at 7:00 p.m. EST on NBA TV.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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