The Oklahoma City Thunder have confirmed that starting center Chet Holmgren will be sidelined for 8 to 10 weeks following a pelvic fracture he sustained during a recent game against the Golden State Warriors. Holmgren, who has been a standout player for the Thunder this season, was injured in the first quarter of the game when he fell awkwardly while contesting a shot. The injury, which has been diagnosed as a right iliac wing fracture, has forced him to miss a significant portion of the season.
Holmgren, the runner-up for the 2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year award, had been playing an instrumental role in Oklahoma City’s strong start to the season. Prior to the injury, he was averaging 18.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, showcasing his impressive scoring ability and elite shot-blocking skills. His defense had been especially impactful, as he ranked third in the league for blocks per game. Holmgren’s ability to stretch the floor with a 40% shooting clip from beyond the arc had made him a critical asset for the Thunder.
This injury comes at a tough time for Oklahoma City, as they had been enjoying a strong 8-1 record to start the 2024-25 season. Holmgren's absence will certainly be felt, as he had become a cornerstone of the team’s success both offensively and defensively.
The Thunder are also facing another injury setback, with Isaiah Hartenstein expected to be out until December due to a fractured left hand. Hartenstein, who joined Oklahoma City in the offseason on a three-year, $87 million contract—the largest in franchise history—had been expected to provide significant depth to the frontcourt. Last season with the New York Knicks, Hartenstein averaged 7.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, and his injury further depletes the Thunder's rotation.
The loss of both Holmgren and Hartenstein is a significant blow to Oklahoma City’s depth, but the team will need to rely on their remaining roster to continue competing at a high level. With Holmgren's recovery timeline set at 8 to 10 weeks, the Thunder will be looking to adjust and maintain their early-season momentum until his return.
