OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder announced Friday, Oct. 30, that center Chet Holmgren will miss eight to 10 weeks after undergoing a biological procedure to treat a small patellar tendon tear in his right knee.
The team stated that Holmgren is expected to make a complete recovery, but his absence delivers another major blow to a franchise suddenly decimated by injuries just 10 days into the season.
A rapid wave of injuries
Holmgren’s diagnosis marks the third starter lost to an extended physical setback since an Oct. 25 game against the Los Angeles Clippers. During that contest, forward Jalen Williams sustained a broken left fibula and a dislocated left ankle. Williams underwent surgery on Wednesday to reconstruct ankle ligaments and is scheduled for re-evaluation before the close of the regular season, the team announced.
In that same contest, guard Cason Wallace sustained a torn labrum in his left shoulder. The Thunder reported that Wallace underwent shoulder surgery on Friday in Los Angeles and will likewise be re-evaluated near the conclusion of the regular season.
Holmgren initially noticed minor discomfort in his knee during that game against the Clippers, the franchise said. Thunder officials pursued consultations with medical specialists before opting for the biological intervention. Roundtable Sports reported that Holmgren received platelet-rich plasma therapy, a technique that injects concentrated blood platelets from a patient’s own blood into damaged tissue to stimulate healing.
Thinning roster and rising pressure
The sudden rash of injuries leaves Oklahoma City with only two remaining starters from its opening-night lineup: center Isaiah Hartenstein and two-time reigning Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Opposing defenses are now expected to direct heavy coverage toward Gilgeous-Alexander, USA TODAY Sports reported.
Before the procedure, Holmgren was producing 12 points, 9.3 rebounds and three blocked shots per game. Last season, he finished as the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year behind Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs and earned first-team All-Defensive honors. The current absence represents Holmgren’s first extended stretch on the sidelines since suffering a pelvic fracture in November 2024.
Backcourt depth is also compromised, as reserve guard Alex Caruso continues to nurse a sprained right ankle. Caruso was ruled out of Oklahoma City’s contest on Saturday, Oct. 31, against the Houston Rockets.
Without their injured core, the Thunder suffered their first defeat of the season on Wednesday, Oct. 28, falling 120-96 to the Dallas Mavericks after opening the year with four straight victories.
Roster adjustments and the road ahead
To address their depleted depth, the Thunder qualified for a hardship roster exception and signed free-agent guard Ochai Agbaji, according to Keith Smith of Spotrac. The move allows Oklahoma City to add depth while remaining beneath the league’s second luxury tax apron, leaving the franchise with $4.6 million in financial cushion, Smith reported.
In the meantime, the Thunder must rely on expanded contributions from reserve players such as Jared McCain, Ajay Mitchell and Kenrich Williams. Whether Oklahoma City can remain among the contenders in the Western Conference while navigating months without three central starters remains to be seen as the team prepares to visit Houston on Saturday.
