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Chet Holmgren to Miss Pistons-Thunder Matchup

Oklahoma City Thunder downgrade Chet Holmgren against the Detroit Pistons.
Justin Grasso|
Jan 28, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Jan 28, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

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Detroit PistonsOklahoma City Thunder

On Saturday night, the Detroit Pistons will face a major test as they host the top team in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

However, the Thunder won’t be the best version of themselves on Saturday, as one of their stars will get the night off. According to the NBA’s official injury report, Holmgren has been ruled out in advance as he gets a night of rest.

For Holmgren, Saturday’s game marks the first time in a few games he won’t play. The last time the star big man played for the Thunder was during their March 7 matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers at home. At the time, Holmgren was among a handful of key players that missed time for the Thunder.

On Friday, it was revealed the NBA would be launching an investigation into the Thunder as they might’ve violated the player participation policy. Although the Thunder sat their stars, OKC still came out on top with the 18-point victory over the Blazers.

Holmgren returned from a two-game absence to face the Denver Nuggets on March 9. Since then, he’s appeared in three games in a row.

Chet Holmgre
Jan 28, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) dribbles on Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart (28) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Over that stretch, the star center averaged 15 points, nine rebounds, one assist , and two blocks while shooting 49 percent from the field and 63 percent from the free throw line. The Thunder won two out of those three games without him.

Overall, the Thunder hold an impressive 37-8 record for games played without Holmgren this year.

The Pistons and the Thunder will tip-off at 7 PM ET.

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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia

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