**OKLAHOMA CITY** — The Oklahoma City Thunder's medical staff has reportedly taken over the team lead in minutes played after another devastating round of injuries left the defending Western Conference finalists dangerously close to needing their physical therapists to suit up.
Chet Holmgren is expected to miss eight to ten weeks after undergoing treatment for a small tear in his right patellar tendon, joining an injury list that now reads less like an NBA roster update and more like the waiting room at an orthopedic convention.
Jalen Williams is recovering from a fractured left fibula and dislocated ankle, while Cason Wallace underwent surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Both could miss the remainder of the regular season.
According to unofficial calculations, Oklahoma City's medical staff is now averaging 38 minutes per game, 14 ice packs, six rehabilitation programs, and a triple-double in specialist consultations.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the team's offensive centerpiece, although the Thunder have reportedly begun evaluating whether their head athletic trainer can provide meaningful minutes at power forward.
The coaching staff is also considering replacing traditional pregame introductions with a reading of the latest MRI results.
Despite the situation, Oklahoma City has maintained its competitive ambitions, with the front office reportedly refusing to abandon its championship hopes until every available player has been personally examined by three separate orthopedic surgeons.
The Thunder remain confident in their depth.
Unfortunately, most of it is now measured in medical personnel.
At this rate, the team's next major signing may come with a medical degree rather than a shooting percentage.
