Chet Holmgren Out 8-10 Weeks Following Knee Treatment
The Oklahoma City Thunder's injury woes continue as star big man Chet Holmgren is sidelined with a patellar tendon tear.
Chet Holmgren, a key player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, will be sidelined for approximately eight to ten weeks after undergoing a “biological treatment” for a small patellar tendon tear. The injury marks another significant setback for the Thunder, whose season has been plagued by player absences.
Holmgren experienced mild discomfort in his knee during Sunday's game against the Clippers, his last appearance on the court. He did not participate in the team's two subsequent games.
The Thunder are contending with a significant number of injured players. Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace are also facing the possibility of missing the remainder of the season due to injuries sustained in the same game against the Clippers. Williams underwent surgery for a dislocated left ankle and fractured fibula, while Wallace suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
Adding to the team's list of sidelined players are Alex Caruso (ankle), Nikola Topic (back), and Thomas Sorber (knee).
The NBA has seen a notable number of star players sidelined by injuries early in the 2026-27 season. Notable absences include Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Paolo Banchero, and Ja Morant, among others.
This latest injury adds to Holmgren's history of health issues since being selected as the second overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He missed his entire rookie season in 2022-23 due to a foot injury and was out for nearly three months during the 2024-25 season with a fractured pelvis.
In his three appearances this season, Holmgren has averaged 12 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 30 minutes per game. Despite the mounting injury concerns, the Thunder have compiled a 4-1 record heading into their upcoming game against the Rockets.