Why Chet Holmgren isn't playing vs. Trail Blazers and what it means for Thunder

Why Chet Holmgren Isn't Playing vs. Trail Blazers and What It Means for Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder will be short-handed as they take on the Portland Trail Blazers in the second game of a back-to-back. After a 126–107 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, the Thunder improved to 8–0, setting a new franchise record for the best start to a regular season. Yet, their attempt to push it to 9–0 may be complicated by multiple absences.

Chet Holmgren Out with Back Injury

According to the NBA's official injury report, Chet Holmgren will miss Wednesday’s matchup due to a low back sprain. Several teammates will also sit out the game, including Jalen Williams, Luguentz Dort, Alex Caruso, Nikola Topic, Kenrich Williams, and Thomas Sorber.

Trail Blazers' Injury Situation

Portland will also be without key players, as Damian Lillard, Scoot Henderson, Matisse Thybulle, and Blake Wesley remain sidelined.

Holmgren’s Early Season Performance

Despite recent absences, Holmgren has been highly effective when available. In five appearances this season, the 23-year-old forward has averaged 20.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 55.9% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc.

Before playing on Tuesday, Holmgren had missed the team’s previous three games due to ongoing back issues.

Author Summary

The Thunder’s perfect start is threatened as Chet Holmgren and several key players sit out against Portland due to injuries, testing the team's depth early in the season.

Sporting News — 2025-11-06