Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren is on track to play Friday against the Toronto Raptors. ESPN's Shams Charania noted the team has removed him

Oklahoma City Thunder starting forward Chet Holmgren is slated to make his return from a pelvic injury that forced him to miss 39 consecutive games this season. After an impressive start to the 2024-25 campaign for the Thunder, Holmgren suffered a fractured pelvic in November but is scheduled to return this week.

As the Thunder continue their push for a deep playoff run, Holmgren’s growth and consistency will be key. If he continues to elevate his game, the Thunder could find itself not just as a playoff team, but as a legitimate championship contender for the foreseeable future.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are the very best team in the Western Conference and one of the favorites to win the NBA Finals, and they amassed a 40-9 record largely without their second-best player, Chet Holmgren.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, who have the NBA's best record of 40-9, were thought to be considering a move before the trade deadline on Feb. 6 at 3 p.m. ET.