Thunder's Holmgren out at least 8-10 weeks with pelvic fracture
Oklahoma City Thunder star Chet Holmgren suffered a pelvic fracture during Sunday's 127-116 loss to the Golden State Warriors.
The Thunder announced Holmgren sustained a right iliac wing fracture specifically. He will be re-evaluated in 8-10 weeks when the team will provide a return-to-play protocol, and he's expected to return this season.
Holmgren left Sunday's game midway through the first quarter. He landed awkwardly after contesting a layup attempt by Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins.
Chet Holmgren was injured and had to be helped off the court after contesting an Andrew Wiggins layup pic.twitter.com/uC8qms9MQI
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 11, 2024
The Thunder big man was unable to put any weight on his right leg and needed to be assisted off the court by his teammates.
Concern here in OKc: Chet Holmgren took a shot to the side while defending an Andrew Wiggins first quarter layup. Just needed help getting to the locker room. Wasn’t putting weight on right leg. Appeared to be grabbing hip/oblique area when he was on the ground. pic.twitter.com/ZGF3mCwqmG
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) November 11, 2024
Holmgren missed the entirety of his rookie campaign due to a Lisfranc injury he suffered before the season. He returned strong in 2023, averaging 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 blocks in all 82 games.
"Can’t tell if I feel better or worse about this having been through something similar before," Holmgren wrote on social media. "On one hand I know how to approach it, I know what to do, what not to do and how beautiful the other side is. But on the other hand I’ve felt the frustration of this process, and the wear it puts on your mind. Most of all I’m hurt I can’t help my teammates and play for our fans and supporters for a while."
Holmgren has played a huge role in Oklahoma City's 8-2 start this season. The Gonzaga product entered Sunday's contest averaging 18.2 points, 9.2 boards, 2.9 blocks, and 2.2 assists across nine appearances. He leads all players in defensive win shares (0.9) and trails only Victor Wembanyama in total blocks (26).
The Thunder were already thin at the center position with Isaiah Hartenstein, Jaylin Williams, and Kenrich Williams all sidelined due to injury.
Oklahoma City went with a small-ball lineup following Holmgren's departure, using Aaron Wiggins at the five.