Chet Holmgren was downgraded to out on Oct. 27 because of his right knee, with an estimated return of Oct. 31. Oklahoma City takes a 4-0 record and the West's two seed into Dallas tonight with four rotation players unavailable.
Holmgren Downgrade Leads the Day
Holmgren now shares Alex Caruso's Oct. 31 target, which points to the Houston game. Ajay Mitchell's ankle put him on the report Oct. 27 with an estimated return of today, and he is the player the offense leaned on Monday: 30 points, 9-10 free throws, +18. Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace carry March 2, 2027 dates, and ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported both will have surgery. Thomas Sorber and Nikola Topic are aimed at Nov. 4.
Dallas Is Short Too
Tipoff is tonight on ESPN against Dusty May's Mavericks. Kyrie Irving (knee) and Naji Marshall (illness) are listed day-to-day, and Dereck Lively II, Santi Aldama and Caleb Martin are out. Cooper Flagg is averaging 25.0 points through three games. After this, the Thunder visit Houston on Oct. 31, then play Cleveland twice, on Nov. 2 and Nov. 4.
Depth Is the Asset Being Tested
The bench scored 33 against Phoenix. Aday Mara had 11 points and 10 rebounds at +13, while Bennett Stirtz went 1-6 in 25 minutes. With a $214.8M payroll above the first apron and pick swaps in 2027 and 2028, internal growth matters more than outside help. The Athletic called this team undefeated and in danger. What tonight will tell us is whether Mara, Stirtz and Josh Dix can hold a margin while Gilgeous-Alexander rests.
Is Chet Holmgren playing tonight against the Mavericks?
No. Holmgren is listed as out because of his right knee, with an estimated return of Oct. 31 at Houston.
When will Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace return for the Thunder?
Both have an estimated return date of March 2, 2027. ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported that each will have surgery.
