Holmgren is expected to return for Oklahoma City after recently missing time due to illness, and reports indicate he is no longer listed on the injury report for the game. Meanwhile, Boston’s situation is less certain.

Tatum has been managing his return following a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in 2025 and has occasionally been listed on injury reports as the Celtics carefully monitor his workload.

What happened to Chet Holmgren?

Chet Holmgren recently missed games due to an illness, specifically flu-like symptoms. The Oklahoma City Thunder listed him as questionable on injury reports before he sat out multiple games while recovering.

The illness forced him to miss a short stretch of games during March, although it was not considered a long-term health issue. The Thunder medical staff chose to keep him out temporarily while he recovered.

Encouragingly for Oklahoma City, recent updates indicate that he is no longer listed on the injury report and is expected to return to action soon. His return should restore one of the Thunder’s most important defensive anchors.

What injury does Jayson Tatum have?

Jayson Tatum is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon suffered during the 2025 NBA playoffs. The Boston Celtics star has been working his way back after undergoing surgery and spending several months in rehabilitation.

The injury occurred during the 2025 postseason and forced him to miss a big portion of the 2025-26 NBA season while completing his recovery process. Achilles injuries are among the most serious setbacks for basketball players.

In recent weeks, however, the Celtics forward has made progress in his recovery and has already returned to game action after nearly ten months of rehabilitation. Still, Boston has continued to manage his workload carefully.

He has occasionally appeared on injury reports as the team monitors his conditioning and recovery following the surgery. Because of that cautious approach, he may still be listed as questionable or day-to-day.

When could Tatum return to play?

Jayson Tatum has already returned to the Boston Celtics lineup after recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, making his comeback after roughly 10 months of rehabilitation. However, he will not play tonight.

Medical timelines for this type of injury generally range between nine and twelve months before players can safely return to NBA competition, depending on how their recovery progresses and how quickly they regain strength and mobility.

He made his long-awaited comeback in early March 2026, returning to the court after a lengthy absence and gradually being reintegrated into the rotation. Since his return, Boston has carefully monitored his minutes and overall workload.

The injury occurred in May 2025 during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks, and he underwent surgery shortly afterward.

Their rhythm this season has often been influenced by who can take the floor. His blend of size and skill makes him one of OKC’s most unique offensive and defensive weapons, and his presence or absence can shift rotations and matchups.

With several starters already dealing with injuries, his potential availability adds an extra layer of narrative to a late-season contest that carries implications beyond the box score. As tipoff approaches, final decisions on the rotation and lineup beckon careful attention from analysts and fans alike.

Will Chet Holmgren suit up for Thunder vs Raptors?

Heading into Tuesday’s matchup in Toronto, Chet Holmgren’s availability remains one of the biggest question marks on the Oklahoma City injury report. The Thunder have listed him as questionable due to low back spasms, meaning his status isn’t confirmed and could shift right up to tipoff.

He joins several teammates on the injury list, with stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams already ruled out, layering another wrinkle into Oklahoma City’s rotation plans. Even if he suits up, how many minutes he logs could be limited as the team balances health and competitive needs.

Whether the All-Star big plays or not, his status has already shaped the narrative of a game where depth and matchup adjustments will be central. Raptors coaches and fans alike are tracking the report closely as the Thunder aim to maintain their strong season while navigating personnel challenges.

Thursday’s injury report from the NBA shows that Chet Holmgren will miss the Thunder’s game against the Wizards, marking his second consecutive absence due to back soreness. His injury leaves a notable void in Oklahoma City’s lineup as they look to maintain their dominance.

Despite Holmgren’s absence, the Thunder improved to 5-0 with a 107-101 victory over the Sacramento Kings, their first home game since raising the championship banner on opening night. The team has demonstrated depth and resilience, proving they can win without their star big man.

Holmgren was performing at an All-Star level before his back flared up. He was averaging 23.0 points on 56.9/41.7/85.7 shooting splits, 10.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game, showing elite production on both ends of the floor.

Injury challenges in Oklahoma City

Holmgren had played in the first four games of the season, including the first leg of an away/home back-to-back against the Atlanta Hawks, before being sidelined. The Thunder also await season debuts from Jalen Williams and Isaiah Joe, while Kenrich Williams (knee surgery) and rookie Nikola Topic, Oklahoma City’s 2024 first-round pick, remain out after missing last season due to a torn ACL.

Holmgren’s improvement from last season

The early-season numbers highlight a significant improvement from Holmgren’s first four games last year, where he averaged 15.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.8 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game. Even in this small sample size, the leap in performance underscores his development as a dominant two-way player.

Oklahoma City will need contributions from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Aaron Wiggins, and other core players to carry the team against the Wizards. While Holmgren’s absence is a challenge, the Thunder have shown the depth and cohesion to remain competitive.

Looking ahead, Holmgren’s return will be closely monitored, with the team prioritizing his long-term health as they chase another strong NBA season in the Western Conference.

However, Holmgren’s status for the matchup against the Mavericks remains uncertain, as he has been listed as questionable on the OKC‘s injury report. The promising young talent is managing back pain, and his condition is being monitored daily by the team’s medical staff.

Holmgren has been instrumental in the Thunder’s early success, joining Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the team’s primary offensive forces. Averaging 24.7 points per game alongside 10 rebounds, Holmgren ranks second on the team in rebounding, showcasing his versatility and impact on both ends of the court.

Absent Holmgren, OKC might find themselves at a disadvantage in offense. Should he be unable to suit up against the Mavericks, the Thunder will rely heavily on Gilgeous-Alexander, who has impressively averaged 40 points per game so far this season.

Thunder’s injury report against the Mavericks

Beyond Holmgren’s questionable status, the Thunder will be without three additional players for their game against the Mavericks. Jalen Williams, Isaiah Joe, and Alex Caruso have all been ruled out for tonight’s contest.

Williams and Joe have yet to make their season debuts, while Caruso has appeared once, contributing significantly in his 30 minutes during the season opener against the Houston Rockets with 8 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and a block.

As the Thunder prepare for today’s matchup against the Mavericks, fans are eager to see whether Gilgeous-Alexander can continue his stellar play and if Holmgren will be able to suit up to aid in maintaining their winning momentum as they pursue a championship this season.

The Thunder are coming off a 141-135 double-overtime win over the Indiana Pacers, a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals. In a game that went down to the wire, MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 55 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals.

In Thursday’s win against the Pacers, Chet Holmgren contributed 15 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks while shooting 4-for-12 from the field and 0-for-6 from three across 39 minutes.

Meanwhile, the Hawks overcame the Orlando Magic 111-107, led by Trae Young, who continues to anchor the franchise with 25 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals.

Is Chet Holmgren playing for OKC vs Hawks?

The Thunder announced Saturday morning that center Chet Holmgren is listed as questionable with low back soreness ahead of the matchup at State Farm Arena.

However, according to Brandon Rahbar of Daily Thunder, Holmgren, along with guard Cason Wallace, is available to play against the Hawks. Holmgren is expected to start in the lineup alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Luguentz Dort, and Isaiah Hartenstein.

Holmgren’s strong start to the season

Entering his third NBA season, Holmgren has been instrumental in Oklahoma City’s early success in the 2025-26 campaign. In the Thunder’s season-opening win over the Houston Rockets, he posted 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists while shooting 11-for-17 from the field and 2-for-5 from three-point range before fouling out after 39 minutes.

Other absences for OKC

Oklahoma City continues to manage a crowded injury report early in the season. Guard Alex Caruso remains out under concussion protocol. The Thunder are also without Kenrich Williams, Thomas Sorber, and Nikola Topic, all sidelined while recovering from offseason surgeries.

Chet Holmgren addressed Gordon’s remarks ahead of Game 3, defending the physicality of the series and pushing back on the notion that Oklahoma City has been getting away with uncalled contact.

“I feel like when we’ve fouled, we’ve been called for fouls. When they foul, they’ve been called for fouls,” Holmgren said. “At the end of the day, I only have one point of view out there. I can’t see the whole play, every play, all play. So I can’t really speak toward what’s happening on every single possession. I feel like it’s a physical game of basketball. That’s what the playoffs are. We just have to come out and be ready for that.”

The Thunder have not indicated any strategic changes in how they defend Jokic, according to head coach Mark Daigneault, but the physical tone of the NBA series is undeniable.

Gordon voices frustration

Following Game 2, Gordon aired his grievances in an interview with ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, criticizing the lack of whistle-blowing on Jokic’s defenders of the Thunder.

“If they’re going to let ’em push him, shove him, put two hands on him, root him out, use the knee, elbows—all types of stuff they’re doing to him—that’s not necessarily legal,” Gordon said. “There’s not much you can do. Jok’s got to play through it. If they’re not going to call it, they’re not going to call it. But they’re fouling the guy.”

Gordon went on to argue that referees are often punishing Jokic for retaliating after the initial contact. “They’re calling the second foul almost every time. They’re fouling Joker first, and then Jok is reactionary. And they do get the second foul a lot of the time,” he added. “But they’re fouling him—point blank, period—throughout the game. You can’t call every foul or you’d be blowing the whistle every play, but they’re fouling him.”

With the series shifting to Denver for a pivotal Game 3, both teams know the physical tone has been set—and the pressure is mounting. The Nuggets, aiming for a second Finals appearance in three years, face a critical test against a Thunder squad eager to prove its playoff mettle.

“Kevin Durant’s going to go back to Oklahoma City, bro,” Kenyon Martin predicted during a recent debate on Gil’s Arena. He didn’t stop there, immediately explaining what the Thunder would need to sacrifice to make the deal happen. “Listen, I’m moving Chet (Holmgren) for Kevin Durant,” he stated.

On how this revamped version of Oklahoma City would work without Holmgren and with Durant in his place, Martin drew on KD’s previous successes. “Be a hit man like he did with the Golden State Warriors,” explained Martin, who was an All-Star with the New Jersey Nets in 2004. “He’s too efficient, man. If you put him in that situation with Shai, the way Shai gets to the line, that (expletive) is scary.”

Durant would certainly be an intriguing addition for the Thunder, who, with him on the court, would see an influx of both talent and experience. However, trading away a promising young player like Holmgren could prove to be a decision the team regrets in the future. At just 22 years old, Chet is already a versatile player capable of playing both center and power forward, and he’s widely regarded as a future star of the league.

The comparison between Holmgren and Durant

This season, Kevin Durant has enjoyed a far more consistent role than Chet Holmgren. The Phoenix Suns forward is currently posting the sixth-highest scoring average in the league, with 26.9 points across 52 games played. He has also contributed 6.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game.

In contrast, Holmgren has appeared in just 20 games this season due to various injuries, most notably a hip injury in November that kept him sidelined for a long time. Now fully recovered, he is averaging 26.4 minutes per game, with 14.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.8 blocks, and 1.9 assists.

Another possible destination for Durant

In the same conversation, Gilbert Arenas shared his thoughts on Kevin Durant’s potential destination in the near future. “There was only one team that raised ticket prices just randomly for no (expletive) reason, and it didn’t make sense. I think that’s where he might be going,” Arenas speculated. He then clarified his statement to Kenyon Martin: “Your hometown,” referring to Dallas.

Arenas expanded on his theory, imagining a possible pairing of Durant with Kyrie Irving on the Mavericks. “I think there was a conversation in the play, because remember, Kyrie and KD were fine,” Gilbert said, referencing the time the two stars spent together with the Brooklyn Nets.

Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with stellar performances. Williams dropped 27 points, while Gilgeous-Alexander added 25 points, shooting a perfect 14-for-14 from the free-throw line, along with six assists and four rebounds. Aaron Wiggins, stepping in for the injured Lu Dort, contributed 18 points.

Holmgren made his impact felt defensively, finishing with four points, five rebounds, and four blocks in 22 minutes on the court. He spoke about the emotions of returning to play after the long recovery.

“It’s amazing. I missed it for a long time,” Holmgren said post-game. “I worked really hard to be able to get out there. So, I’m happy and excited, and I look forward to continuing to win and keep improving.”

Adaptation and Recovery

Holmgren shared how he adjusted to the team’s dynamic after being sidelined for so long. “[It’s] no different than what I expect from ourselves as a team every single night,” he said. “Everybody knows what we have to go out there and do. The coaches do a good job of helping us prepare for the team we’re facing, and tonight was no different. They gave us a great game plan, and I feel like we executed it. Obviously, not perfectly, but that’s why you can always improve.”

Reflecting on His Hip Injury

Holmgren provided insight into the rarity of his injury and how fortunate he felt in his recovery. “It was definitely crazy when I found out I was the only NBA player to break their hip playing basketball,” Holmgren said. “I was blown away by it because I was like, ‘That’s just my luck.’ Even though you can say it was unlucky, it was still super lucky at the same time. It didn’t happen in a way that would affect me long-term.”

He credited the medical staff for their expertise. “If I just listened to the doctor’s advice and did my due diligence in rehabbing, I knew I’d be okay. A couple of inches lower, and it could’ve affected the joints. If the bones had shifted, I could have needed surgery. So yeah, super unlucky but lucky at the same time.” Holmgren’s return injects new energy into a Thunder squad determined to push through the season with confidence and competitiveness.

Holmgren’s right iliac hip fracture couldn’t have come at a worse time, as he was delivering strong performances early in the season. The injury is also especially tough for the Thunder, who have yet to see Isaiah Hartenstein debut this season due to a preseason injury and Jaylin Williams is also out due to an injury.

The injury occurred when Holmgren took a hard fall defending an Andrew Wiggins layup in the first quarter. After the game, Holmgren expressed his feelings on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Can’t tell if I feel better or worse about this having been through something similar before. On one hand I know how to approach it, I know what to do, what not to do and how beautiful the other side is.”

“But on the other hand, I’ve felt the frustration of this process and the toll it takes on your mind. Most of all, I’m hurt I can’t help my teammates and play for our fans and supporters for a while. Everyone who sticks with me and our team, along with my need for hoops, is a big part of my passion to return. Don’t pity me or feel bad; there’s lots of people out there rn with real problems that don’t heal. Anyways excuse my rambling, just wanted to address our OKC fans and family. Thoughts from da hospital bed.”

Thunder face roster challenges without Holmgren

With Holmgren out indefinitely and his next evaluation still 10 weeks away, and Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams also sidelined, the Thunder are now left without a true center. This may force the team to look at options on the market, with several trade rumors surfacing.

One potential target is Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls, as the Bulls reportedly consider a roster rebuild following the recent trade of DeMar DeRozan. Other possibilities include Jonathan Kuminga, who could be available according to Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, and Jonas Valanciunas from the Wizards, though acquiring him might prove difficult.

What’s next for the Thunder without Holmgren?

Head coach Mark Daigneault will need to adjust quickly as the Thunder navigate this injury-riddled phase, with all three centers sidelined. The good news is that Hartenstein is expected to return by the third week of November.

The Warriors loss marked the second of a six-game home stretch for the Thunder, which began with a win over the Rockets. OKC now prepares for upcoming games against the Clippers, Pelicans, Suns, and Mavericks.

Holmgren was a dominant force in the Thunder’s 128-104 win over the Atlanta Hawks, posting 24 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 6 blocks, and one steal.

With these numbers, Holmgren is now averaging 23.7 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks over three games this season, a feat only previously achieved by Anthony Davis with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2014.

Besides this feat, after the Thunder’s recent 102-87 victory over the Nuggets, Holmgren also became the first player in franchise history to post 25+ points, 14+ rebounds, 5+ assists, 4+ blocks, and 2+ steals in a single game.

Caruso speaks on Holmgren and Davis comparisons

The comparisons to Davis emerged after Holmgren’s performance against the Chicago Bulls, where he recorded a career-high 16 rebounds. When asked if Holmgren reminded him of his former Lakers teammate, Alex Caruso acknowledged the parallel while noting Holmgren’s potential.

“The AD comparison is a tough one just cause AD’s so accomplished where he’s at in his career right now, and Chet obviously has a long way to go to match that, but I think he controls his destiny,” Caruso said.

“Whatever he wants to accomplish in this league, he’s got it in front of him,” Caruso continued. “He’s got the work ethic, he’s got the competitiveness. If you have those two things, you can control your own destiny in the NBA.”

Caruso praises Holmgren’s versatility

Beyond the comparisons, Caruso also praised Holmgren’s versatility, highlighting it as a unique asset to the Thunder. “Chet can do so many different things. [He’s] a special player. He gives us versatility. He gives us a dynamic that not many teams in the league have,” Caruso stated.

The comparisons began with Davis after Holmgren’s strong showing against Chicago, where he grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds. Following the game, Caruso was asked if he saw similarities to his former Lakers teammate.

“The AD comparison is a tough one just cause AD’s so accomplished where he’s at in his career right now, and Chet obviously has a long way to go to match that, but I think he controls his destiny,” Caruso stated.

“Whatever he wants to accomplish in this league, he’s got it in front of him,” Caruso continued. “He’s got the work ethic, he’s got the competitiveness. If you have those two things where you have the ability to get better, you have the want to get better, and you have the work ethic to get better, if you have those things, you can control your own destiny in the NBA.”

Caruso praises Holmgren’s versatility

Beyond the comparisons, Caruso also highlighted Holmgren’s versatility as a major asset to the team. “Chet can do so many different things. [He’s] a special player. He gives us versatility. He gives us a dynamic that not many teams in the league have,” Caruso said.

“Just with his skill, and then, he’s a tenacious competitor,” he added. “He wants to improve. He wants to be better. He wants to be great, and he wants to win. And those are things as a young player are phenomenal to see, and then obviously, as his teammate, you love to see that, too.”

Holmgren makes Thunder history

After a dominant 102-87 victory over the Nuggets, Holmgren became the first Thunder player to post 25+ points, 14+ rebounds, 5+ assists, 4+ blocks, and 2+ steals in a single game. In their following win against the Bulls, he recorded another standout double-double, logging 21 points and 16 rebounds.