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

The Oklahoma City Thunder improved to 8-0 in Tuesday's 126-107 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, setting the franchise record for the most consecutive wins to start a regular season. However, the road to 9-0 may be challenging. 

The Thunder are preparing for the second night of a back-to-back set Wednesday, when they will face the Portland Trail Blazers at 10 p.m. ET. However, the defending champions will be without several key contributors, including Chet Holmgren, who has been ruled out due to a low back sprain, according to the NBA's official injury report. 

Holmgren will be joined by Jalen Williams, Luguentz Dort, Alex Caruso, Nikola Topic, Kenrich Williams and Thomas Sorber on the sidelines. As for Portland, Damian Lillard, Scoot Henderson, Matisse Thybulle and Blake Wesley will remain sidelined. 

MORE: Thunder start season 8-0, set new franchise record after win over Clippers

What Chet Holmgren's absence means for Thunder

While Holmgren has been a regular on the injury report of late, he's been productive when healthy. Through five regular-season appearances, the 23-year-old big man has averaged 20.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 steals in 33.4 minutes per contest. He has also shot 55.9 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from three-point range. 

Before suiting up Tuesday, Holmgren had missed the Thunder's previous three outings due to the back issue. During that stretch, Aaron Wiggins joined the starting lineup, while Jaylin Williams also saw increased playing time and drew one start. 

With Oklahoma City extremely shorthanded, the team will need Wiggins and Williams to step up in the frontcourt. Ousmane Dieng, Branden Carlson and Brooks Barnhizer are also candidates to see an uptick in minutes. 

Holmgren's next opportunity to suit up will come in Friday's NBA Cup group stage matchup against the Sacramento Kings.

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