OKC Thunder Tab Chet Holmgren As Questionable vs. Dallas Mavericks

The Oklahoma City Thunder have begun the season with a perfect 3-0 record despite facing significant roster challenges, as they are missing six rotational players. Among these, four have yet to make their season debut, and rookie Thomas Sorber is out for the entire season due to a torn ACL sustained during offseason workouts.

The team is entering a demanding stretch of three games in four nights, starting with a matchup against the Dallas Mavericks as the front end of a back-to-back set. This series concludes at home on Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings. Key absences include All-NBA forward Jalen Williams, who is recovering from offseason surgery, and players like Isaiah Joe, Kenrich Williams, and Nikola Topic, who are still awaiting their season debuts. Additionally, defensive specialist Alex Caruso remains in concussion protocol, having missed the last two games.

Chet Holmgren, a rising star, is listed as questionable due to lower back soreness, a similar designation he had before a previous game where he was upgraded to available and scored 31 points. His usage is under scrutiny as he has carried a heavy offensive load, played in double-overtime games, and sustained a thumb injury in a recent matchup. Injury reports are updated hourly, with head coach Mark Daigneault providing regular updates on the team's plans.

On the opponent side, the Dallas Mavericks are also playing the front end of a back-to-back, hosting the Toronto Raptors before facing the Thunder. This marks the second consecutive game where the Thunder are facing a team on the second night of a back-to-back, adding to the complexity of Oklahoma City's own packed schedule.