The OKC Thunder are in a fantastic spot right now. They’re the undeniable kings of the West. They got a squad of youngsters primed to dominate for years to come. They’re bookies’ joint favourites to win it all. They face the Grizzlies up next, who themselves are in a terrible spot losing 3 on the trot. But they have to do it without center Chet Holmgren.

In their recent win over the Raptors, Holmgren was flying. Aside from the intangible performances, his double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds really showed the value of the 22-year-old. But the game also saw him suffer a right lower leg contusion, which renders him out for the matchup against the Grizzlies. Mark Daigneaul will have to shuffle his squad around, probably giving Jalen Williams the center position and playing Aaron Wiggins in the frontcourt.

His work for the Thunders resurgence since being drafted in 2023 has been exceptional. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander might get all the plaudits for his work as an MVP contendor this season. But you’d be a fool to discount Chet’s work in the team. He might’ve had his injuries troubles this season and the Thunder have been balling without him, but the ones watching the matches see the disparity between the two teams- with and without Holmgren.

Coach Daigneaul has recognised his value on multiple occassions. “Chet’s ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim gives us a dynamic edge on both ends.” He’s just 22 and already been capped by the Thunder 100 times. That 36-point 10-rebound masterclass vs the Cavs last season will live on forever in the streets of Oklahoma City.

Chet-less Thunder face a struggling Grizzlies

Ja Morant-led Memphis Grizzlies have seem to have lost their footing recently. From being firm favourites to finish as the best of the rest in the West to being everything less- they’re in need of some magic if they wanna beat a Thunder side who’ve won 4 on the trot and 8 of the last 10.

They’re on a 3-game losing streak, which coincides with Ja’s persisting shoulder injury. He’s missed their last two games, and is on a day-to-day basis for the all important clash. 2/3 of those games came against sides lower in the table in the form of the Hawks and Spurs, which would’ve hurt that much more.

Coach Taylor Jenkins still has hopes for the team, linking the team’s current poor form with something all great teams suffer on the road to greatness. “Obviously our deficiency is on the defensive side, we just gotta rally- we just gotta stay together. Our group’s gonna respond- they’re gonna be ready to put in the work tomorrow…” said Jenkins in the press conference ahead of their Thunder game.

Chet Holmgren’s absence will leave a gaping hole in the center of the Thunder’s half. But they’re going against a hopeful Grizzlies side at the FedEx Forum, where they were victorious last time round. Will Thunder strike twice in Tennessee, or will Memphis whether the Oklahoma storm and end their run of bad fortunes?