Keegan Murray's Return from Thumb Surgery Still Lacks Timetable, Coach Christie Confirms Progress

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray is making incremental steps in his recovery from left thumb surgery, but his 2025-26 NBA season debut remains without a clear timetable. Coach Doug Christie confirmed on Friday that Murray has progressed to working out in the gym, stating, “He’s in protocol. He’s working hard... it’s going to be a second. He’s working as hard as he can. We just have to wait till we get the nod, and when we do, he’ll be ready to come.” Murray has been sidelined since tearing the UCL in his left thumb during an October preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers, undergoing surgery shortly after. In his absence, Russell Westbrook has stepped into the starting power forward role, averaging 24.5 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists in recent games against the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors.