Chet Holmgren Out 8–10 Weeks With Small Patellar Tendon Tear

The Oklahoma City Thunder suffered another major injury blow Friday when the team announced that Chet Holmgren will miss eight to 10 weeks after treatment for a small tear in his right patellar tendon. Holmgren began experiencing mild right-knee discomfort on Oct. 25, and after consultations with specialists, Oklahoma City opted for what it called a successful “biological treatment.” The Thunder said the 24-year-old center is expected to make a full recovery.

The timing is especially difficult for a Thunder team already dealing with significant injuries to Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace. Williams recently underwent surgery for a fractured left fibula and dislocated left ankle, while Wallace had surgery Friday for a torn labrum in his left shoulder and will be reevaluated before the end of the regular season. Holmgren had averaged 12.0 points and 9.3 rebounds through three games while remaining one of Oklahoma City’s most important rim protectors.

Oklahoma City now faces an early test of the depth that helped make it a championship contender. Isaiah Hartenstein, Jaylin Williams and the rest of the frontcourt will be asked to absorb more responsibility while Holmgren recovers. The eight-to-10-week timetable points toward a return around late December or early January if rehabilitation proceeds as expected, but the Thunder’s official language remains a recovery estimate rather than a guaranteed return date.