Thunder's Holmgren to return after 39-game absence

Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren is set to return for Friday's contest against the Toronto Raptors after missing almost three months with a hip injury, he announced Thursday.

Holmgren appeared in 10 games before the injury and averaged 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, and two assists. He suffered the ailment in a November contest against the Golden State Warriors and missed the next 39 games.

Isaiah Hartenstein started 28 games in the 22-year-old's absence while averaging 11.4 points, 12.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks.

Holmgren missed the entirety of his rookie campaign after suffering a Lisfranc injury.

The Thunder are first in the Western Conference with a 40-9 record.