The Oklahoma City Thunder don’t seem keen on falling from their top spot. Tonight, against the Miami Heat, despite being down by double digits most of the game, all it took was one spark. A 24-0 fourth-quarter run sank the Vice City. And the Thunder managed to do all this with some key players missing. One of them is their shot-blocking center, Chet Holmgren.

Since returning from a right iliac hip fracture, Holmgren’s integration into the squad has been gradual. He missed tonight’s Heat game as the team prioritized giving him rest. But in terms of health, Holmgren doesn’t have any more obstructions. Tomorrow, facing off against a stumbling Timberwolves team, there’s a good chance that Holmgren will indeed participate.

It is the last game before the All-Star break, OKC may decide to get him into a rhythm and later utilize the break to focus on his conditioning. With Minnesota being a bigger team, having Hartenstein and Holmgren is critical for the top-seeded Thunder.

Even though derailed by injury, the Thunder’s versatile center has had a ravishing start to his sophomore season. The seven-footer is averaging 15 points per game in 12 games this season. But what stands out is his rim protection, as Holmgren averages 2.9 blocks per game this season, only trailing Victor Wembanyama.

Oklahoma City Thunder injury report

Despite Holmgren’s probable return, the Thunder are nursing injuries to some internal players. Notably, Alex Caruso didn’t participate in the second half when facing the Miami Heat tonight due to left hip tightness. With a history of hip injuries this season, the Thunder might choose to rest Caruso to avoid taking any risks before the All-Star break.

Another promising sophomore, Cason Wallace, will also be sidelined due to a right shoulder strain. The former All-Rookie team forward has missed the last six games due to the injury and is listed as out for the Timberwolves clash tomorrow night. Aside from these injuries, Ousmane Dieng, Ajay Mitchell, and Nikola Topic are also ruled out for tomorrow’s fixture.

Minnesota Timberwolves injury report

The Thunder may have a few injury problems, but the Wolves have most of their regular starters suffering from ailments. Mike Conley is dealing with a right finger sprain and missed tonight’s contest against the Milwaukee Bucks. His status against OKC remains unknown.

In addition, Julius Randle is close to making his return. However, he is still in the preliminary stages of his recovery. The former Knicks forward suffered a right abductor sprain against the Miami Heat in late January. The imposing forward will be re-evaluated in two weeks for his groin injury.

Donte DiVincenzo also continues to remain out on the injury list with a turf toe injury. He hasn’t played since the 15th of January. The good news is that the former Knicks guard did avoid surgery that would extend his recovery time. But he too is not close to making a return till after the All-Star break.

Oklahoma City Predicted lineup

Minnesota Timberwolves predicted lineup