The Oklahoma City Thunder enter Wednesday's road matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies looking to extend their winning streak to five games, but they will have to do so without one of their young stars.
Oklahoma City has been one of the hottest teams in the NBA over the past few weeks as they have won eight of their last 10 games, including four straight. Of course, the Thunder have dominated their way through the season thus far as they have a healthy lead over the rest of the Western Conference.
They will now face off against a struggling Grizzlies team who have dropped seven of their last 10 contests, including three consecutive.
While the Thunder would love to take advantage of the Grizzlies' recent struggles, they will have to do so without their star big man Chet Holmgren.
Oklahoma City has ruled out Holmgren for Wednesday's game due to a right lower leg contusion. This is another tough blow for both Holmgren and the Thunder as his injuries have continued to pile up this season.
Chet Holmgren (right lower leg contusion) is out vs the Grizzlies tonight.
Alex Caruso (left ankle sprain) is out.
Aaron Wiggins (thumb sprain) is questionable.
Isaiah Joe is available.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) March 5, 2025
Of course, Holmgren missed over three months earlier this season due to a hip injury and he has been sidelined more than expected since his return. He will now miss another game on Wednesday against a Grizzlies' team who has a ton of size.
With Holmgren out, expect Isaiah Hartenstein to man the center position while Jalen Williams will likely slot in at the power forward position. Cason Wallace may also get a chance to return to the starting lineup with Holmgren sidelined.
Holmgren will not be the only player the Thunder will be missing in Wednesday's game as they have also ruled out Alex Caruso due to an ankle injury and listed Aaron Wiggins as questionable with a thumb sprain.
The good news for Oklahoma City is that Isaiah Joe is available to play after missing their last two games.
Memphis will also be beat up as Ja Morant is listed as questionable and Jaren Jackson Jr. has been ruled out.
Fans can catch Wednesday's game between the Thunder and Grizzlies at 9:30 p.m. EST on ESPN.
Copyright 2025 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 2:14 PM.