NBA
Why isn’t Chet Holmgren playing for Thunder against the Mavs in the NBA Cup game today, Dec. 10?
With Dallas next up for Oklahoma, fans are eager for an update on their young star who remains on the sidelines.
Whether you like the new format or not, the NBA Cup is happening, and on December 10, Oklahoma City Thunder face off against the Dallas Mavericks... but still without one big name.
Thunder star Chet Holmgren has been dealing with his latest frustrating setback since sustaining an injury in the October game against the Golden State Warriors. The 22-year-old centre, who’s been a rising force at both ends of the court, was immediately ruled out for at least eight weeks.
What is Chet Holmgren’s injury?
Holmgren’s injury was a fracture to the ilium on the right side of his hip, an area that can be tricky to heal for high-impact athletes. The Thunder confirmed the extent of the injury and announced that the young center would need a minimum of eight weeks to recover, with a possible return timeframe extending up to ten weeks. His absence left Oklahoma thin on their interior rotation, a loss initially made even more significant given that Isaiah Hartenstein had been out since mid-October with a hand fracture. But his quick return has been impactful, hitting six double-doubles and averaging 4.5 APG.
For his part, Holmgren has averaged 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game, this season. His defensive and offensive skills have been integral to the Thunder’s game, especially given his stellar comeback after missing his entire rookie year in 2022-23 with a foot injury. In his first full season last year, Holmgren played all 82 games and turned heads with an impressive average of 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game.
Holmgren injury: what happened?
In the game against the Warriors, Holmgren’s injury came just five minutes into the first quarter when he attempted to block Warriors’ forward Andrew Wiggins. Mid-air, the two collided, sending Chet crashing to the ground in what turned out to be an awkward and painful fall, forcing him out of the game. This was the second time Holmgren has suffered an early-season injury, and for Thunder fans, there’s an understandable feeling of déjà vu.
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