Thunder’s Chet Holmgren Set To Return Friday vs. Raptors

Chet Holmgren is set to return from injury for the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday against the Toronto Raptors.

The second overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft has missed the last 39 games due to a right iliac wing (hip) fracture. Holmgren suffered the injury against the Golden State Warriors on Nov. 10.

Oklahoma City has been excellent in his absence, posting a 40-9 record to this point. The Thunder also boast the league’s best defensive rating by a comfortable margin.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as the favorite to win MVP, while Jalen Williams earned his first All-Star nod. Isaiah Hartenstein has proven an excellent offseason signing, averaging 11.4 points, 12.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.2 blocks.

How Much Better Are Thunder With Holmgren?

It’s hard to believe a 40-9 team can actually get better. That is the rare case with this Thunder squad, though.

Oklahoma City may not mathematically prove more successful. Holmgren’s ability to space the floor and be an elite rim protector, though, will elevate this team’s ceiling.

There have been a couple moments to ponder weaknesses, like against the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Cup Final or a loss to the Cavaliers in Cleveland.

The Thunder are about league average in both 3-point attempts and makes. It hasn’t mattered against most teams because of how stifling their defense is, but has been a bit exposed when opposing teams tout elite rim protection.

Led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez, the Bucks made the paint a no-fly zone in the NBA Cup Final. It effectively forced the Thunder to beat Milwaukee from the outside. It was an ice cold night from three, and the result was a humbling defeat.

When Cleveland met Oklahoma City for the first time, the size factor proved too much, as Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen had their way. The Thunder are great at playing small, but there is a weakness when going up against talented size.

Holmgren’s ability to space the floor will help a great deal in making teams think twice about just walling off the paint. He is also 7-foot-1, consistently swats away shots at the basket and is a good rebounder.

Thunder Outlook With Holmgren

Now a game ahead of the Cavs for the best record in the league, the Thunder must be considered favorites to finish with the best record.

There’s no pressure to fully immerse Holmgren immediately. It’s likely Oklahoma City will treat these next few games before the All-Star Break with care. Ease Holmgren back on a minutes restriction before pushing him harder after the break.

The Thunder are six games ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies for first place in the West and 8.5 games ahead of the third-seeded Houston Rockets.