Thunder Announce Chet Holmgren Development on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Oct 28, 2025 3:04 PM ET

Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren has had an incredible start to his NBA career. The 7-foot-1 Minneapolis, Minnesota, native is playing in his third season in the league, as he has averaged 16.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.3 blocks in his career. He made the 2023-24 NBA All-Rookie team and then won the NBA championship with Oklahoma City last season.

Holmgren was drafted by the Thunder with the second overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Gonzaga, but missed his entire first year in the league with a foot injury.

Through the Thunder's first four games this season, Holmgren has been fantastic. He has averaged 23.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and over one steal and block per contest.

In Monday's win over the Dallas Mavericks, the 23-year-old went 6-of-10 from the floor with 18 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks. Heading into that game, Holmgren was listed as questionable with back soreness after he left Saturday's matchup against the Atlanta Hawks early.

On Tuesday, the Thunder are set for their first back-to-back of the 2025-26 season, and the status of Holmgren was updated again.

Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) looks to move the ball against the Dallas Mavericks.© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

On Tuesday's official NBA injury report for Oklahoma City's game against the Sacramento Kings, Holmgren was listed as out with lower back soreness.

"Chet Holmgren will not play tonight against Sacramento due to lower back soreness," said The Oklahoman Thunder beat reporter Justin Martinez.

Chet Holmgren will not play tonight against Sacramento due to lower back soreness.

But Alex Caruso isn’t on the injury report. He has missed OKC’s last three games while in concussion protocol. pic.twitter.com/dgpeFQMtYm
— Justin Martinez (@Justintohoops) October 28, 2025

This will be the first game Holmgren has missed this season, despite being listed as questionable for the past few matchups. This comes after he played in just 32 games last season, as he missed the majority of the year with a fractured pelvis.

The Thunder will look to keep their perfect 4-0 record intact without their star center on Tuesday against the Kings (1-2) at Paycom Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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