Holmgren Out 8-10 Weeks With Knee Tendon Tear in Thunder Injury Crisis

Chet Holmgren will miss 8-10 weeks after undergoing a biological treatment for a small tear in his right patellar tendon, the Oklahoma City Thunder confirmed on Friday, in the latest and most serious blow of a brutal injury run for the defending champions. The 24-year-old first felt mild discomfort in his right knee on October 25, and after consultations with specialists the team opted for treatment it says was successful, with a full recovery expected and an estimated return around January 2. Holmgren's absence leaves a huge hole: he had been playing nearly 30 minutes a night, and the Thunder are already without two other key starters. Jalen Williams fractured his left fibula and dislocated his ankle in the same October 25 game against the Clippers, while Cason Wallace suffered a labral tear in his left shoulder; both had successful surgery, and Wallace will be re-evaluated before the end of the regular season. A reported move for Ochai Agbaji has already fallen through since Holmgren's injury was confirmed. The champions have felt it on the court, losing back-to-back road games including a 119-98 defeat at Houston that dropped them to 4-2. They now visit Cleveland on Monday with six players out, and general manager Sam Presti may yet explore the trade market for a versatile defender, with New Orleans forwards Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III mentioned as targets.