Chet Holmgren has not appeared in a game since all the way back on November 10 due to a hip injury, but all that will change on Friday. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania — and then backed-up by Chet himself — the former second-overall pick will return to action on Friday versus Toronto.
The most interesting aspect of Holmgren’s presence will be how the team decides to utilize both he and Isaiah Hartenstein, as the duo has yet to be active at the same time in 2024-25. Both are naturally centers, yet Holmgren does have the skill-set to play at the four, a scenario which would likely move Aaron Wiggins back to a reserve role. Oklahoma City could also choose to bring back Holmgren slowly in the immediate, which would allow the team to stagger his minutes at the five with Hartenstein.
In the 10 games that Holmgren started prior to his ailment, he averaged 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in just 26.5 minutes. He was also in possession of a 24.9% usage rate, up significantly from his 21.6% usage in his rookie campaign.
