Injury Report Revealed as Short-Handed Kings Take on Pelicans

The Sacramento Kings went down in embarrassment on Monday with a 129-93 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, but the 39-point defeat was not the worst part about the game. Kings rising star Keegan Murray and off-season acquisition Chris Duarte left the game with injuries, depleting an already short-handed Sacramento squad.

The Kings faced the Pelicans on the second leg of a back-to-back, which did not help their injury concerns. Sacramento is set to face New Orleans again on Wednesday, with an extra day of rest and hope of a healthier lineup.

While it is challenging to bounce back from a crushing 39-point blowout loss, the Kings must do their best. After a six-game win streak that boosted them to the top of the Pacific Division, losing two consecutive games heading into their two final In-Season Tournament Group Play games would not be ideal.

Injury Report Kings vs. Pelicans 11/22

Kings:

F Sasha Vezenkov - QUESTIONABLE (thumb)

G Chris Duarte - AVAILABLE (hand)

F Keegan Murray - OUT (back)

F Trey Lyles - AVAILABLE (calf)

G Keon Ellis - OUT (ankle)

C Alex Len - OUT (ankle)

Pelicans:

F Larry Nance Jr. - AVAILABLE (ribs)

G CJ McCollum - OUT (chest)

F Matt Ryan - OUT (calf)

F Trey Murphy III - OUT (knee)

This is the most crowded injury report the Kings have had all season, but Sacramento fans hope to have their guys healthy as soon as possible. Lyles has yet to make his season debut but is available to play heading into Wednesday's matchup.

Vezenkov was initially left off the injury report but is now listed as questionable with left thumb soreness. The Kings hope to have their sharpshooter back, who was sidelined for Monday's loss.

Murray surprisingly stayed in the locker room to start the second half of Monday's matchup and was later reported to have lower back soreness. Due to his back injury sustained in the loss in New Orleans, Murray is set to miss his first game of the season and just the third of his career.

Kings wrap shootaround in New Orleans.

Not spotted: Keegan Murray, who’s. likely out tonight with a lower back injury.

Participating: Trey Lyles (calf) is expected to play tonight.

Chris Duarte (hand) and Sasha Vezenkov (thumb) were full. pic.twitter.com/LuR1wpVdIi
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) November 22, 2023

Nance Jr. could return to action after missing the Pelicans last four games with a rib injury. They will remain without McCollum, Murphy III, and Ryan, who are all premier talents and vital pieces to the Pelicans' depth.

The Kings will have their shot at revenge in New Orleans on Wednesday at 5 P.M. PT/8 P.M. ET.

*updated as of 4:45 P.M. PT

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