Thunder Center Chet Holmgren Out 8-10 Weeks With Knee Tear

Oklahoma City Thunder fans should expect to watch their team without center Chet Holmgren for the next two to two and a half months. The franchise announced that Holmgren will miss between eight and ten weeks due to a right knee injury. This absence complicates an already thin roster as the team prepares for the remainder of the early season.

Holmgren first felt discomfort in his knee on Sunday. After consulting with multiple specialists, the player underwent a biological treatment on Friday. The procedure addresses a small tear in his patellar tendon. The medical team determined that this course of action would allow him to recover without immediate surgical intervention.

The Thunder are managing a heavy workload of injuries this season. The organization already confirmed that Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace are likely out for the rest of the regular season. Williams suffered a broken left fibula and a dislocated left ankle on Sunday. He has already had surgery and will be re-evaluated before the season concludes.

Wallace underwent surgery on Friday for a labral tear in his left shoulder. Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the operation at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles. Thunder medical staff were present during the procedure. The guard will also be evaluated again before the end of the regular season to determine his availability.

This wave of absences fits a pattern across the league. ESPN reported earlier this week that Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is expected to undergo an arthroscopic procedure for right knee discomfort. The three-time All-Star is projected to sit out for up to two months. The Associated Press contributed to this report.