Trail Blazers rule out Kris Murray indefinitely with lumbar strain
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The Portland Trail Blazers announced Saturday that third-year forward Kris Murray is sidelined indefinitely after being diagnosed with a lumbar strain in his lower back.
The injury occurred during Monday’s victory over the Utah Jazz. Team doctors evaluated Murray afterward and confirmed the strain, according to the club’s statement. No timetable for his return was provided; the organization said updates will be issued “as appropriate.”
Murray, the 23rd overall selection in the 2023 NBA Draft, has appeared in 34 games this season, starting 11. He is averaging 6.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 25.7 minutes, while shooting 44.6% from the field, 25.6% from three-point range and 73.8% at the free-throw line.
The 6-8 wing has already missed the past two contests and will sit out a third straight game when Portland hosts the New York Knicks on Sunday. Murray, 25, is earning $3.1 million in the third year of his rookie-scale deal and is slated to make $5.3 million in 2026-27.
With Murray unavailable, additional minutes could go to Sidy Cissoko, Caleb Love and Rayan Rupert.
Source: Hoops Rumors
