Chet Holmgren is expected to return to the starting lineup as the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Los Angeles Lakers at the Paycom Center. After missing some games due to injury, the big man is now ready to help his team finish the regular season strong.
Holmgren missed a few games in the past month, including one at the end of March against the Pacers. That was to manage a recurring hip injury, but since then, he has started every game in April. Now, as the Thunder face the Lakers again, Holmgren looks set to play another key role.
Thunder Looking to Bounce Back Before Playoffs
The Thunder have already secured the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, which gives them some room to rest players. However, after losing their last two games, the team wants to build momentum before the playoffs start.
The match against the Lakers is important. It’s the last home game of the regular season before the Thunder finish with three away games. A strong performance here would give the team and fans a good boost going into the postseason.
Holmgren’s Injury Struggles and Comeback
Chet Holmgren’s journey in the NBA hasn’t been easy. After being drafted in 2022, he missed his entire rookie season due to a serious foot injury. This season, he started well but suffered a bad fall in a game against the Warriors in November. That injury kept him out for over a month.
He came back in February but has still missed 54 games so far due to ongoing problems, especially with his hip. Even with these setbacks, Holmgren has managed to put up solid numbers, averaging 14.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.
If not for the injuries, his stats could have been even better. Still, he remains an important player for the Thunder and will be key in the playoffs.
Last Game Was a Letdown, But There’s a Chance to Bounce Back
In the previous game against the Lakers, Holmgren had a quiet night. He scored 10 points and grabbed 3 rebounds in 25 minutes. The Thunder lost that game 126-99, and the team will want to come back stronger this time.
The Lakers are missing many of their big men, with Jaxson Hayes being their only center available. This could give Holmgren the chance to dominate the paint and help his team control the game.
Who’s Missing for OKC?
While Holmgren is expected to play, a few other Thunder players will be out. According to team reports, Ousmane Dieng, Alex Ducas, Ajay Mitchell, and Nikola Topic are ruled out for this match.
Where to Watch the Thunder vs Lakers Game
Fans can catch the action live on SportsNet LA and FDSOK. For those watching online, the game can be streamed through the FUBO TV app or the NBA League Pass.
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