San Antonio Spurs: Dejounte Murray out with injury vs Rockets

The San Antonio Spurs ruled point guard Dejounte Murray out of Friday’s preseason game.

Dejounte Murray started all four preseason games for the San Antonio Spurs, as Tony Parker rehabs a torn quad from the 2017 NBA Playoffs. It seemed to indicate he will be the Opening Night starter at point guard.

Friday night’s preseason tilt against the Houston Rockets was Murray’s last chance to get minutes before the regular season. However, the Spurs will be without the 21-year-old. They announced he suffered a right hip contusion and will not play in this fifth and final preseason contest.

Parker and Kawhi Leonard, to no surprise, are out of this preseason game, too.

Dejounte Murray is out for tonight's preseason game in Houston. pic.twitter.com/9q21PGaYH0

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) October 13, 2017

Let’s see how serious this injury is. Murray has five days to rest and rehab before Opening Night on Wednesday, Oct. 18 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. If he can’t play, then there may be some concern with his status going forward.

The Washington product had his best preseason performance on Tuesday night, in a loss to the Orlando Magic. He had 15 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks on 5-for-11 shooting.

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In Murray’s place, look for Patty Mills to get an extra minute or two. However, it’s a bigger opportunity for players like Bryn Forbes and Derrick White.

Forbes received consistent playing time in the preseason, including a 17-minute performance against the Denver Nuggets. He scored 20 points and looked like the Summer League version of himself.

White didn’t play in Tuesday’s game, making this an opportunity for him to shine before head coach Gregg Popovich finalizes a rotation. He’s scored at least 8 points in all three appearances.

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The Spurs will hit the hardwood to face the Rockets at 8:00 p.m. ET. It’s also on TNT, the first preseason game of San Antonio’s to air on television.