Thunder’s Chet Holmgren suffers a broken pelvis in a bad fall

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Thunder star Chet Holmgren was forced out of Sunday’s 127-116 loss to the Golden State Warriors because of an injury, and the team later announced he had suffered a fractured pelvis.

The Thunder described the injury as a right iliac fracture and said an update on Holmgren’s status will come in eight to 10 weeks. The team said Holmgren is expected to return this season.

Holmgren suffered a bad fall while challenging a drive from Andrew Wiggins midway through the first quarter. After a mid-air collision, Holmgren fell on his right side.

The Thunder big man remained on the floor in obvious pain for a moment before needing help off the field and into the locker room. He did not put any weight on his right leg as he exited with 6:50 left in the first quarter.

Holmgren left with four rebounds and no points. He averaged 18.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.9 blocks in his first nine games. He has 26 blocks this season, the second most in the NBA, behind only Victor Wembanyama. The Thunder are 8-2 after Sunday’s loss.

Without the No. 2 pick in the 2022 draft, the Thunder had to resort to small lineups against the Warriors. Backup center Isaiah Hartenstein was sidelined early in the season because of a small, non-displaced fracture in his left hand.

His teammates were concerned about Holmgren’s injury before details were announced.

“It is difficult [to see]said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. “Hopefully he’s okay.”

Jalen Williams said the Thunder could adjust if Holmgren were out for an extended period of time.

“It’s not the first time we’ve done this,” Williams said. “So I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

This is Holmgren’s second serious injury. He missed the first NBA season after being drafted due to a Lisfranc injury. He played in all 82 games last season.

The Thunder face the LA Clippers on Monday in Oklahoma City.