Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Thunder Lose Chet Holmgren for Eight to Ten Weeks After Knee Treatment

The Oklahoma City Thunder announced on Friday night, October 30, that All-Star center Chet Holmgren will miss eight to ten weeks after a treatment on his right knee, the third major injury to hit the defending champions in the first two weeks of the season.

"Chet Holmgren experienced mild discomfort in his right knee on October 25," the team said in a statement carried by Sports Illustrated and AFP. "After a series of consultations with specialists, the determination was to perform a biological treatment today to address a small patellar tendon tear." The Thunder said the treatment was successful, that Holmgren is expected to make a full recovery, and that he will return to play in eight to ten weeks. News 9 in Oklahoma City published the team announcement at 8:02 p.m. Central on Friday.

What the Thunder lose

Holmgren, 24, is the anchor of Oklahoma City's defense and was averaging 12 points and 9.3 rebounds a game this season, according to AFP. He finished runner-up last season to San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama for Defensive Player of the Year and was a first-team All-Defensive selection, USA Today reported. An eight to ten week absence puts his return in the first weeks of 2027, and it leaves the Thunder without their rim protection for the whole holiday stretch of the schedule.

Wallace has surgery the same day

The same announcement brought the first firm news on guard Cason Wallace. Wallace underwent a successful procedure on Friday to repair a labral tear in his left shoulder, the team said. Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the surgery at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, with Thunder medical personnel present, according to News 9. The team said Wallace will be re-evaluated before the end of the 2026-27 regular season, a timeline that offers no promise he plays again this year.

Three starters down

Holmgren joins forward Jalen Williams and Wallace on the long-term injury list, which means three of Oklahoma City's five starters are out for an indefinite period, USA Today reported. Williams had surgery on Thursday for a broken left fibula and a dislocated left ankle suffered against the Los Angeles Clippers on October 25, and Reuters reported he is likely out for the remainder of the season. Backup guard Alex Caruso is also nursing a sprained ankle. The Thunder signed guard Ochai Agbaji on Friday to fill the final spot on their standard roster.

Oklahoma City opened the season 4-0 before losing its first game on Wednesday, 120-96 to the Dallas Mavericks, with the injured players already out. The absences put added pressure on two-time reigning Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who will draw the bulk of opposing defenses. The Thunder face the Houston Rockets on Saturday, October 31, still holding one of the deepest rosters in the league but suddenly missing the frontcourt that carried their title run.