Chet

Holmgren

Holmgren is listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Raptors with back spasms. The Thunder would be severely shorthanded if Holmgren is ruled out with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal), Ajay Mitchell (abdominal) and Jalen Williams (hamstring) also out. Isaiah Hartenstein would likely see the majority of the center minutes if Holmgren is out.

This was an impressive showing for Holmgren, especially against the Cavs’ big men. He dominated the glass against Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, matching his season high for boards. He still supplied his typical dose of buckets and blocks as well, but it was his effort on the glass that stood out. He has recorded a double-double in five of his last seven games, which is the type of effort the Thunder will need to stay afloat with Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined.

Holmgren didn’t log any blocks or steals against the Nets, but was still able to put together a decent performance from a fantasy standpoint. Almost half of his scoring came from the free-throw line, and he went perfect on his two attempts from beyond the arc before concluding as the Thunder’s second-leading scorer on Friday. Holmgren’s 26 minutes of game action likely prevented him from achieving a stronger stat line. He’ll have a chance to be more productive on Sunday against the Cavaliers.

Hartenstein will get the night off for the second leg of Oklahoma City’s back-to-back set, which means Chet Holmgren should shoulder the load at center. Jaylin Williams will likely see a big bump in playing time, as Jalen Williams is also out.

Holmgren missed Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs with a back injury, but this is his second double-double in a row going back to Tuesday’s win over the Magic. The 23-year-old center has provided fifth-round per game value over the last two weeks, according to Basketball Monster. The Thunder have four games upcoming in Week 17, starting with a matchup against the Lakers on the road on Monday.

Holmgren was one of many key contributors who missed Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs, which was Oklahoma City’s second game in as many nights. His return means that Kenrich Williams will head to the bench, where he’s nowhere near as effective in fantasy basketball.

With the Thunder down to eight active players, JayWill took on a prominent role within the team’s offense. His ability to facilitate was something Oklahoma City drew on throughout the game, and he finished with four assists and a double-double. Williams’ fantasy value moving forward depends on the availability of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, who both sat out Wednesday’s game. With the Thunder off until Saturday, there’s no need to add Williams immediately. But he’ll be worth streaming the next time Oklahoma City is down its starting two bigs.

Holmgren played through the back injury against Orlando, but he’ll sit the second leg of this back-to-back. Isaiah Hartenstein is out as well, so Jaylin Williams should start at center, while Branden Carlson should be available to fill out backup minutes. Williams should hold streaming upside as the primary center, even if the matchup is suboptimal.

Back spasms will not keep Holmgren out of Tuesday’s game, which is the first of two in as many nights for the Thunder. He’ll occupy his usual place within the Thunder starting lineup.

Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) and Jaylin Williams (shoulder) are all questionable for the first game of this back-to-back, and the second game being against the Spurs could certainly be a factor there. The center rotation is certainly up in the air, with the only one guaranteed to be healthy is Branden Carlson, who could play a significant role if more than one of the aforementioned bigs is sidelined.