Why is Chet Holmgren not playing tonight against Dallas Mavericks? Latest on Thunder star's status for Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinal (Dec. 10)

Chet Holmgren's OKC Thunder host the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday for an Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup. However, the rising star big man will remain sidelined as he continues rehabbing from a right iliac hip fracture.

Holmgren sustained his hip injury during OKC's 127-116 home loss to the Golden State Warriors on Nov. 10. He attempted to block Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins' first-quarter layup attempt, landed harshly on his side, and needed help off the floor.

Upon suffering his hip ailment, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Holmgren's "return to play protocol (would) be provided in eight to 10 weeks."

Thus, Chet Holmgren is seemingly still around four to six weeks away from receiving another injury update.

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How have the Thunder fared without Chet Holmgren this season?

Despite playing the past month without Chet Holmgren, OKC (18-5) hasn't experienced a drop-off in the standings.

After starting 8-2 with the 2022 No. 2 draft pick, the franchise has gone 10-3 in his absence. That includes winning West Group B in the NBA Cup group stage via a 3-1 record. Moreover, the Thunder still rank first in the league in defensive rating through 23 games (103.3).

Their highest-profile offseason acquisition, center Isaiah Hartenstein, has seamlessly stepped into a starting role with Holmgren sidelined. Through eight outings, including seven starts, he is averaging 11.8 points, 12.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.3 blocks per game, shooting 56.9%.

The seven-year veteran's strong two-way play has alleviated OKC's need for Holmgren's interior presence. Meanwhile, superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has maintained last season's MVP-level production, while third-year wing Jalen Williams appears on track for his first All-Star selection.

The Western Conference's No. 1-seeded Thunder are pitted against the fourth-seeded Mavericks (16-8) in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. The Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving-led squad finished 3-1 in West Group C, advancing via the conference's wild-card spot. OKC is 0-1 against Dallas this season after losing 121-119 at home on Nov. 17.

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Dallas Mavericks vs OKC Thunder Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinal game details

Tuesday's Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinal clash between the Mavericks and Thunder tips off at 9:30 p.m. ET at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It airs nationally on TNT and can also be streamed on NBA League Pass.

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