The Oklahoma City Thunder are riding a wave right now - and it’s not just momentum, it’s history in the making. With a spot in the NBA Cup championship game on the line, OKC is set to face the San Antonio Spurs in the semifinal on Dec.
- The stakes?
A chance to meet either the Orlando Magic or the New York Knicks in the final. But before we look ahead, let’s break down what’s happening now - because this Thunder team is putting together something special.
Thunder Rolling Into the Semis With Confidence
Oklahoma City is coming off its most dominant win of the season, dismantling the Phoenix Suns 138-89 on Wednesday. That’s not just a win - that’s a message.
The Thunder didn’t just beat the Suns, they overwhelmed them on both ends of the floor. It was the kind of performance that shows why OKC isn’t just ahead of schedule - they’re already here.
And now, they’re getting even stronger.
Isaiah Hartenstein Returns to the Frontcourt
The Thunder’s frontcourt is about to get a major boost. Isaiah Hartenstein is set to return after missing the last six games with a soleus injury. The 27-year-old big man had been one of the most efficient players in the league before going down, and his presence alongside Chet Holmgren gives OKC a unique blend of size, skill, and defensive versatility.
Hartenstein’s numbers speak for themselves: 12.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game - all while shooting a scorching 67.1% from the field, the third-best mark in the NBA. He’s not just a role player; he’s been a key cog in the Thunder’s early-season success. His ability to facilitate from the high post, crash the boards, and anchor the paint defensively makes him an ideal complement to Holmgren’s length and shot-blocking instincts.
Expect Hartenstein to slide right back into the starting lineup, where his chemistry with the Thunder’s young core can pick up where it left off.
Injury Report: Joe Still Out, Sorber and Topic Await Debuts
While Hartenstein’s return is a big win for the Thunder, they’ll still be short-handed in some areas. Isaiah Joe will miss his fourth straight game with a knee issue. Joe’s absence takes away one of OKC’s top perimeter shooters, and his floor-spacing has been a valuable part of their second-unit offense.
Meanwhile, rookies Thomas Sorber (knee) and Nikola Topic (post-surgery recovery) remain sidelined. Neither has made their season debut yet, and while the Thunder haven’t needed them to this point, their eventual returns could add even more depth to an already deep roster.
Spurs Could Get Wembanyama Back
On the other side, the Spurs may be getting their franchise cornerstone back just in time. Victor Wembanyama, who’s missed nearly a month with a calf strain, is expected to return for the semifinal matchup. The 7-foot-4 phenom brings a completely different dynamic to San Antonio’s lineup - his length, shot-blocking, and shot-creating ability make him a matchup nightmare for any team, even one as defensively sound as the Thunder.
If Wemby is back, it turns this game into a must-watch clash between two of the NBA’s most exciting young cores.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just another regular-season game. The NBA Cup may be a new addition to the league’s calendar, but it’s already proving to be a proving ground for teams like OKC - young, talented, and hungry to show they belong on the big stage.
A win over the Spurs would send the Thunder to the championship game, and with the way they’re playing - and the reinforcements arriving - they’re looking more and more like a team that’s ready for the moment.
Keep an eye on that frontcourt pairing of Hartenstein and Holmgren. If they click the way they did earlier in the season, the Thunder might just be the team to beat in this inaugural NBA Cup run.