The best team in the Western Conference could be getting even stronger in the next couple of weeks. Chet Holmgren has missed the last 28 games for the Oklahoma City Thunder while dealing with a hip injury, but a return date could be announced any day now, as the big man has reportedly been ramping up his on-court activities in hopes of making his comeback.
OKC Thunder Have Dealt With Various Injuries In 2024-25
The injury initially occurred back on November 10th. In a game against the Warriors, Holmgren took a hard fall on his hip and was forced to leave the game. It was reported that he would miss at least 8–10 weeks while he rehabilitated, and was thought to be a big blow to a team that had hopped out to an 8-1 record to start the year.
Alex Caruso is no longer listed on the Thunder’s injury report. He’ll be available to play tomorrow’s game against the Sixers
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) January 13, 2025
And while they’d love to have their 7-footer back on the court, the Thunder have done more than just stay afloat over the past two months. While dealing with other injuries to key players, OKC has been able to maintain their status as the no. 1 team in the West throughout the 2024-25 season. They’ve lost just two regular season games dating back to November 20th, and their point guard is playing at a level that makes him the current favorite to win the NBA MVP award.
Holmgren isn’t the only piece that has been missing at certain points this season. Center Isaiah Hartenstein missed the first 15 games of the season with a hand injury, and Alex Caruso has played in just 20 of a possible 38 games while dealing with an ailment to his hip. But the team will be getting healthier heading into late January, as Caruso is off of the injured list and should be available for Tuesday night’s game against the 76ers.
Chet Holmgren Could Be Returning Soon
Chet Holmgren on the court as Thunder shootaround wraps up in Philly. pic.twitter.com/IHmAiKdo3t
— Joel Lorenzi (@jxlorenzi) January 14, 2025
As for Holmgren, there has been some positive news over the past week. Last Wednesday, he was seen going through movement drills during the team’s shoot around, and he was on the court getting up some light shots during the team’s practice in Philadelphia on Monday. We are now 9 weeks removed from the hip injury that was projected to keep him out 8–10 weeks, so it is likely that we’ll at least be receiving some updated news on the situation in the coming days.
The Thunder are 32-6 on the year, the second-best mark in the NBA, just one game worse than the Cavaliers. After their game against the 76ers on Tuesday, they’ll have a rematch with Cleveland for league supremacy after losing the first matchup by a score of 129-122.
