Overview
- The left thumb UCL tear occurred late in the second quarter of Friday’s preseason game in Portland, with an MRI confirming the injury and surgery planned.
- Doug Christie will test options in the final two preseason games, with Dario Saric, Drew Eubanks, Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud under consideration and Malik Monk and Keon Ellis also in the mix.
- He is expected to miss at least the first 10 regular-season games, and a full six-week absence could align with a potential Nov. 24 return window pending reevaluation.
- Losing Murray removes one of Sacramento’s top perimeter defenders and floor spacers, and Christie acknowledged that replacing his all-around impact will be difficult.
- There is reported strong mutual interest between free agent Russell Westbrook and the Kings as they assess short-term depth, with no agreement announced.