Following their NBA Finals triumph last season, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s attempted title defense sees them occupy the Western Conference’s top seed. Despite that, the reigning champs are dealing with a multitude of ailments.
One of them pertains to first-time All-Star C-PF Chet Holmgren. The former No. 2 overall NBA Draft pick is nursing a minor injury, but it could shift his availability. May the 44-14 Thunder miss their young star in Toronto?
Let’s dive into the latest Chet Holmgren injury update, weaving in how it might impact PrizePicks player projections for Thunder vs. Raptors on Tuesday night.
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Chet Holmgren Injury Update vs. Raptors Tonight
According to Tuesday’s official NBA injury report, the Thunder have Holmgren listed as questionable against the Raptors. He’s nursing low-back spasms, potentially jeopardizing his chances to suit up north of the border.
Holmgren has played in 51 of Oklahoma City’s 58 games thus far, last making a start on Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. In a 121-113 win, he scored 17 points on 5-of-14 shooting.
To date, Holmgren is enjoying his best professional season. He’s posting career-high averages for points (17.4) and rebounds (8.8) while knocking down a personal-best 55.4% of his shots from the field. He also boasts a 105 defensive rating.
Already down MVP PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal) and star F-G Jalen Williams (hamstring), OKC could have their work cut out for them if Holmgren is also out.
Chet Holmgren Injury Impact: Which Thunder Players to Target?
Should Holmgren sit out, it’s only natural to look to frontcourt partner Isaiah Hartenstein to see if he can perhaps pick up the slack.
In 32 games this year, the 27-year-old C is posting 10.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists each night. Season No. 2 with the Thunder has seen him raise his field goal percentage to a sparkling 64.6, also owning a 19.6% assist clip on just 17.1% usage.
Ironically, per databallr, Hartenstein’s usage (+1.7%) and points per 75 (+2.8) increase when Holmgren is on the floor. Without him, he experiences upticks in rebounds (+2.3) and free throw attempts (+1.3).
Isaiah Hartenstein vs. Raptors Projections, Picks
Here are some top Isaiah Hartenstein projections vs. the Raptors tonight, via PrizePicks.
- 10.5 Points
- 8.5 Rebounds
- 4.5 Assists
- 24.5 Pts + Rebs + Asts
- 30.5 Fantasy Score
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With Chet Holmgren banged up, Oklahoma City remains at far less than 100% health. Ahead of Thunder vs. Raptors, picks for this game and many others are available for fans to target.
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