Trail Blazers’ Kris Murray (Back) Out Indefinitely

Shortly after upgrading Jrue Holiday to probable for Sunday’s game vs. New York, the Trail Blazers announced (via Twitter) that third-year wing Kris Murray has been diagnosed with a lumbar strain in his lower back.

No return timeline was provided for Murray’s injury, with the Trail Blazers simply saying that additional updates will be provided “as appropriate.” In other words, Murray is out indefinitely.

Murray sustained the injury in Monday’s game vs. Utah. He was evaluated after the win it was determined that he has a lumbar strain, per the team.

Murray, the No. 23 pick in the 2023 draft, has been a rotation regular for Portland in 2025/26, averaging 6.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 34 games, including 11 starts (25.7 minutes per contest). His shooting slash line is .446/.256/.738.

A 6’8″ small forward, Murray has missed the past two games with the back injury and will miss his third consecutive contest on Sunday. The 25-year-old is earning $3.1MM in the third year of his rookie scale contract and will make $5.3MM next season.

Sidy Cissoko, Caleb Love and Rayan Rupert are among the Blazers who could receive more playing time with Murray out.