Yardbarker
x
Is Chet Holmgren Nearing Return From Injury For OKC Thunder?
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been a Western Conference powerhouse this season, which comes as no surprise. Last season, they were the top-seeded team in the conference, and they're on pace to achieve the same mark this year.

With a 31-6 record, the Thunder have been wildly impressive while dealing with a handful of injuries over the course of their 37 contests.

Oklahoma City happens to have a six-game lead over the No. 2-seeded Houston Rockets, providing their regular season dominance. This comes as they've yet to play one game fully healthy.

Alex Caruso has suffered a few injuries that have kept him off the hardwood. Isaiah Hartenstein missed quite a bit of time to start the season. And, for the past nine weeks, the Thunder has been without Chet Holmgren.

One could argue Holmgren is the squad's second-best player, and the impact he has on the floor is no secret. He's transformational on both ends, making the Thunder's current run that much more impressive.

When will the 7-footer return to the hardwood for the club again? There's been no concrete timeline or update revealed, but speculation says his return should be on the horizon.

As mentioned, it's been nine weeks since Holmgren suffered his hip injury. Early reports claimed that the Thunder star would miss 8-10 weeks with the injury, meaning an update could come any day now, and should be revealed in the next week. 

If any Thunder player -- or any player in the league -- is suited to attack the rehab needed to get back on the hardwood quickly and in good form, it's Holmgren. He missed his entire rookie season with a foot injury, yet was stellar in his first season playing.

It shouldn't be long before the league's second-best team returns a transformational 7-footer, making them that much more dangerous.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!