Branden Carlson News, Rumors, Updates - Oklahoma City Thunder

Returns to action Carlson had zero points (0-1 FG, 0-1 3Pt) and one rebound over two minutes during Monday's 123-103 victory over the 76ers.

Impact Carlson returned from an 11-game absence and was once again used as an emergency depth piece. As long as the Thunder are close to full strength, there's not much fantasy appeal here.

MARCH 24 • ROTOWIRE

Not listed on injury report Carlson (back) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Monday's game in Philadelphia.

Impact While Carlson will be available for Monday's game, so will the rest of the Thunder centers, so there are no guarantees he'll be able to find minutes in the rotation. In 35 appearances for the Thunder this season, the second-year center has averaged 4.9 points and 2.6 rebounds per contest.

MARCH 22 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out for Saturday Carlson (back) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Washington.

Impact Carlson will miss an 11th consecutive contest due to a lower-back strain, and he remains without a clear timetable for a return. He can be considered doubtful for Monday's game against the 76ers until Oklahoma City provides an update on his status.

MARCH 20 • ROTOWIRE

Absence streak to continue Carlson (back) is out for Wednesday's game against the Nets.

Impact Carlson will miss a 10th consecutive contest due to a back strain. The second-year big man appears to have no timetable for a return, but his next chance to play comes Friday in Washington against the Wizards.

MARCH 18 • ROTOWIRE

Another absence coming Carlson (back) is out for Tuesday's game against the Magic.

Impact Carlson will miss a ninth consecutive game due to a back strain. The second-year big man looks to be out indefinitely, but his next chance to play comes Wednesday against the Nets in Brooklyn.

MARCH 16 • ROTOWIRE

Remains out Carlson (back) is out for Sunday's game against the Timberwolves.

Impact Carlson will miss an eighth consecutive game due to a back strain. He doesn't have a concrete date to return to action, but the big man has a minor role in the rotation, so his absence shouldn't affect many fantasy decisions. His next chance to play will come Tuesday against the Magic.

MARCH 14 • ROTOWIRE

Out again Thursday Carlson (back) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Celtics.

Impact Carlson has been ruled out for a seventh straight game due to a back strain. With Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) also out, look for Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams to aid Chet Holmgren at the center position. Carlson's next chance to play will come Sunday against Minnesota.

MARCH 11 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Monday Carlson (back) is out for Monday's game against the Nuggets.

Impact Carlson will be inactive for a sixth consecutive game as he nurses a back injury. His absence potentially leaves Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams as the only active centers for Monday's contest, as Chet Holmgren (illness, questionable) and Isaiah Hartenstein (calf, out) could both be unavailable as well.

MARCH 8 • ROTOWIRE

Out for Saturday Carlson (back) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Warriors.

Impact This will be the fifth consecutive game on the inactive list for Carlson, and it's not encouraging that he continues to get ruled out a full day in advance of tipoff. For now, he should be viewed as doubtful for Monday's game against the Nuggets.

MARCH 6 • ROTOWIRE

Sitting out again Carlson (back) remains out for Wednesday's game against the Knicks.

Impact Oklahoma City's third-string center will be sidelined for a fourth straight game. His next chance to play comes Saturday against Golden State.

MARCH 4 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Tuesday Carlson (back) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Bulls.

Impact Carlson will miss a third consecutive game due to a lower-back strain that flared up and forced him to exit early against the Pistons on Feb. 25. The Utah product is averaging 10.7 minutes per contest across 35 appearances with the Thunder this season, so his absence shouldn't significantly impact the rotation. The center's next chance to play will come Wednesday against the Knicks.

MARCH 2 • ROTOWIRE

Out for Sunday Carlson (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Mavericks

Impact Carlson will miss a third consecutive contest after exiting Wednesday's game against the Pistons due to low back soreness. The second-year center has struggled with back issues recently, as he also missed the final game before the All-Star break due to spasms in the same area. With Carlson sidelined, Oklahoma City will continue to lean on Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein to handle the bulk of the minutes in the frontcourt.

FEBRUARY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Remaining sidelined Carlson (back) is out for Friday's game against the Nuggets, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.

Impact Carlson exited Wednesday's game against Detroit due to low back soreness, and the issue is significant enough to keep him from taking the floor Friday. His next opportunity to play will arrive Sunday in Dallas.

FEBRUARY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Won't return Wednesday Carlson won't return to Wednesday's game against the Pistons due to low back soreness, Nick Crain of Forbes.com reports.

Impact Carlson tweaked his back during the first quarter and will end his evening with four points (2-4 FG, 0-2 3Pt), four rebounds, two assists and one turnover in four minutes. For now, Carlson should be considered questionable to face the Nuggets on Friday.

FEBRUARY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Off injury report Carlson (back) isn't listed on the injury report for Friday's game against the Nets.

Impact Carlson missed Oklahoma City's final game before the All-Star break due to lower-back spasms but is set to return Friday. The two-way player has appeared in just one game this month and isn't guaranteed to see the floor Friday.

FEBRUARY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Out Thursday Carlson is out for Thursday's game against the Bucks due to lower-back spasms.

Impact Carlson has eight days to rest up before the Feb. 20 matchup against the Nets. His absence should have a negligible impact on the Oklahoma City rotation Thursday, though.

FEBRUARY 12 • ROTOWIRE

Defending champion Thunder back on track at midpoint after beating Spurs for 1st time in 4 meetings

The Oklahoma City Thunder have regained their form, boasting a 34-7 record at the season's halfway point

JANUARY 14 • Associated Press

Out of starting lineup Carlson is not in the Thunder's starting lineup against the Heat on Sunday, Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com reports.

Impact Carlson drew the start Friday against the Grizzlies and finished with five points, one rebound, one block and one steal over 16 minutes in a 117-116 victory. He will revert to a bench role Sunday after Chet Holmgren (shin) was cleared to return.

JANUARY 11 • ROTOWIRE

Starting Friday vs. Memphis Carlson is in the Thunder's starting lineup against the Grizzlies on Friday, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.

Impact Carlson will draw the start Friday due to the absences of Chet Holmgren (lower leg), Isaiah Hartenstein (soleus) and Jaylin Williams (heel). It'll be Carlson's second start of the season, with his first taking place Dec. 22 against Memphis, when he logged 11 points (4-7 FG, 3-6 3Pt), three rebounds and two assists over 25 minutes.

JANUARY 10 • ROTOWIRE

First double-double of season Carlson ended with 15 points (6-9 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals in 22 minutes off the bench during Friday's 131-94 victory over the Warriors.

Impact The Thunder gave their starters the fourth quarter off in the rout, allowing Carlson and other members of the second unit to get extra run. The 26-year-old center cashed in the opportunity and produced his first double-double of the season. Carlson has seen at least 20 minutes of court time in five of OKC's last 13 games, all in contests the defending champs won by 16 or more points, and in those appearances he's averaging 12.0 points, 6.6 boards, 2.0 threes and 1.6 assists.

JANUARY 3 • ROTOWIRE

Branden Carlson Gives Mark Daigneault Another Option Off the Bench Oklahoma City’s impressive depth has been on display all season long. With the amount of injuries up and down the roster, there have been pl...

JANUARY 2 • SI.COM

Expanded role Wednesday Carlson had 12 points (5-9 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 0-2 FT), seven rebounds, one assist and one block in 20 minutes during Wednesday's 124-95 win over the Trail Blazers.

Impact Carlson saw some decent run at center in the absences of both Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) and Jaylin Williams (heel) on Wednesday. His role hinges largely upon the availability of Oklahoma City's key players, which will be something to monitor on the Thunder's injury report prior to Friday's clash in Golden State.

JANUARY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Branden Carlson the team's approach and different skill-sets | Postgame Media | December 31, 2025

JANUARY 1 • YOUTUBE

Role evaporates Tuesday Carlson produced one assist in two minutes during Tuesday's 130-110 loss to the Spurs.

Impact Carlson barely touched the floor Tuesday, with his role severely impacted by the return of both Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. While Carlson has shown some promise to begin his career, it appears as though he is a long way from being considered a viable fantasy asset, outside of dynasty formats.

DECEMBER 24, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Sliding to second unit Carlson won't start against the Spurs on Tuesday, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.

Impact With the Thunder's regular starting five back at full strength, Carlson will move back to the second unit. While he could see the floor due to Jaylin Williams (heel) remaining sidelined, Carlson is not guaranteed significant playing time.

DECEMBER 24, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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Defending champion Thunder back on track at midpoint after beating Spurs for 1st time in 4 meetings