
via Imago
May 7, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) reacts after scoring a three-point basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of game one of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

via Imago
May 7, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) reacts after scoring a three-point basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of game one of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Timberwolves will love nothing more than to come back from behind in this series against the Thunder. However, the deck is REALLY stacked against them this year. Being 3-1 is just the beginning. They’ll also need to deal with the Thunder’s Big 3 — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren. And the 7’1 center in particular gave them a lot of headaches in Game 4.
Chet has been a revelation for the Thunder ever since he joined. He is a reliable scorer, averaging 16.1 points this postseason. And at 7-foot-1, his presence in the paint allows the Thunder to be more carefree on both ends. But as they head into the all-important Game 5, one question lingers: will Chet be on the floor tonight? Let’s see what the injury report says.
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Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Report – Will Chet Holmgren play tonight?
For most of his short career so far, Chet Holmgren has remained relatively healthy. However, in November last year, he suffered a devastating right iliac wing (hip) fracture that caused him to miss an enormous amount of games. But after he returned in February, Chet hasn’t looked back since as the Thunder cruised to the top seed. Then came the Grizzlies series, where the 23-year-old looked fantastic. And even though the Nuggets made it competitive, OKC still made it look easy in Game 7 to make the Western Conference Finals.

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Apr 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
And now, as the Thunder look to dispatch of Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves in 5 games, they’ll be glad that the 23-year-old is off the injury report. Yes, that means Chet Holmgren is AVAILABLE for Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Only Nikola Topic finds himself on the injury report. He’s been on it all season long after suffering a devastating knee injury right before the 2025 NBA Draft. He is OUT of the upcoming game and probably the entire series. But that’s it for the Thunder’s injuries.
Head coach Mike Daigneault is in a pretty great position as far as roster selection goes. And if Chet shines like he did in the previous game, well, it could be wraps for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
What’s your perspective on:
Can the Timberwolves overcome Chet Holmgren's dominance, or is Game 5 already a lost cause?
Have an interesting take?
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Can the Thunder bounce the Timberwolves in 5?
Game 4 laid out the blueprint: airtight defense, timely hustle plays, and balanced scoring. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander flirted with a 40-point triple-double, driving to the line 14 times and calmly dishing 10 assists when the Thunder needed a spark. Jalen Williams added another scoring punch, spotting up threes and cutting hard to the rim.
On the defensive end, Alex Caruso and Lu Dort hounded Anthony Edwards, shrinking his space until he couldn’t get comfortable. Ant-Man barely got past the half-court in Game 5! Those two logged heavy minutes, chasing shooters off the line and forcing tough, contested looks. Coach Mark Daigneault’s rotating schemes kept Minnesota guessing.

USA Today via Reuters
May 11, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) dunks past Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) during the first quarter during game three of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
And then there’s Chet Holmgren—his rim protection and offensive rebounds swung momentum at every turn. But it wasn’t just his three blocks or seven boards. It was his knack for showing up at the right time, tipping a loose ball, finishing a breakaway layup, or simply altering a shot.
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When this collective effort clicks—when SGA leads the charge, role players deliver, and the defense clamps—Minnesota will feel pressure all night long. That’s why the Thunder can wrap this up quickly.
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Can the Timberwolves overcome Chet Holmgren's dominance, or is Game 5 already a lost cause?