The Oklahoma City Thunder are gearing up for Tuesday’s game against the Sacramento Kings at 8:00 p.m. ET, though they’ll be shorthanded while trying to extend their winning streak.
The Thunder enter the second half of their back-to-back set looking to improve to 5-0 after a 101-94 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday. However, Chet Holmgren will join Jalen Williams, Kenrich Williams, Isaiah Joe, Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber on the sidelines due to lower back soreness, according to the NBA’s official injury report.
Holmgren has been a regular on the injury report to open the 2025-26 campaign because of the back issue. While the Thunder may continue to monitor his availability in back-to-back games, the back soreness isn’t expected to cause a long-term absence for the big man.
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What Chet Holmgren’s absence means for Oklahoma City
Holmgren has served as the Thunder’s second option to start the season while Jalen Williams recovers from offseason wrist surgery. Tuesday, however, the team will need to pivot.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Luguentz Dort and Isaiah Hartenstein are expected to remain in the starting five, leaving one open spot against Sacramento. Aaron Wiggins is a likely candidate to fill in for Holmgren alongside Hartenstein, though Alex Caruso could also join the starters in his return from a three-game absence due to a concussion if Oklahoma City opts for a smaller lineup.
Jaylin Williams and two-way player Brooks Barnhizer are additional candidates for increased minutes, though it’s unlikely either would start.
Holmgren’s next opportunity to suit up will come Thursday in Oklahoma City’s home game against the Washington Wizards.
