The Sacramento Kings, fresh from snapping a grueling 16-game losing streak, faced another hurdle as Keegan Murray exited the game against the Houston Rockets with a leg injury. This setback occurred with just over three minutes left in the first quarter at the Toyota Center.
Murray, who has been averaging a solid 14.5 points per game for Doug Christie's squad, was officially sidelined with a left ankle injury. Before his departure, he managed to contribute three points, snagged a rebound, and recorded a block in nine minutes of play.
Keegan Murray headed to the Kings' locker room after seeming to land awkwardly on this play.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 26, 2026
Hope he's okay 🙏pic.twitter.com/KQi9RSYPNe
Despite the challenges this season, Murray has emerged as a bright spot for the Kings. However, the team's struggles have them eyeing a potential silver lining: the chance at the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
UPDATE: Keegan Murray (left ankle) is OUT for the remainder of tonight's game against the Rockets, the Kings announced. https://t.co/9qeVZ3CuYW
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 26, 2026
Currently, Sacramento is ahead of the Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets in draft projections. Yet, as the Dallas Mavericks demonstrated last season, finishing with the worst record doesn’t automatically secure the top pick.
The Mavericks, despite a 39-43 finish, landed the top selection and brought in Cooper Flagg.
Looking ahead, analysts are buzzing about the possibility of AJ Dybantsa joining forces with Murray next season. The BYU freshman has been a hot topic in top pick discussions. Meanwhile, Kansas' standout freshman Darryn Peterson is another name in the mix for Sacramento's potential draft choices.
Nets lose. Pelicans win.
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) February 25, 2026
Brooklyn gains more separation in third place in the lottery standings. pic.twitter.com/Ny0H3aSZ3L
With a 13-46 record, the Kings are in a tough spot, trailing 51-32 in their latest contest. Yet, the prospect of adding a top-tier talent in the draft offers a glimmer of hope for the future.