The Oklahoma City Thunder will be without starting center Isaiah Hartenstein for at least the next 10 to 14 days as he recovers from a right soleus strain, the team announced. It’s a tough blow for a squad that’s been steamrolling through the early part of the season at 19-1, but OKC is wisely playing the long game here. The soleus, tucked beneath the calf muscle, plays a huge role in explosive movement - running, jumping, and stabilizing the Achilles - so there’s no sense in rushing a big man back before he’s ready.
Hartenstein has been nothing short of a stabilizing force for this Thunder team. He’s averaging 12.2 points per game on a blistering 67.1% shooting clip, pulling down 10.7 rebounds a night, and anchoring the defense with a presence that doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet.
His impact has been undeniable - with him on the floor, the Thunder are outscoring opponents by 16.1 points per 100 possessions. That’s elite territory, and it speaks volumes about how seamlessly he’s fit into OKC’s system.
With Hartenstein sidelined, the Thunder are adjusting on the fly. Chet Holmgren, who’s been playing the four, slides over to center.
That’s a natural move given Holmgren’s shot-blocking and floor-spacing ability, though it does change the dynamic of the frontcourt. Jalen Williams, fresh off his return from wrist surgery, steps back into the starting lineup at the four.
He brings All-NBA talent and versatility, and his return couldn’t have come at a better time.
Expect to see more minutes for Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams as well. Both have shown they can hold their own in spot minutes, and their ability to adapt to different roles will be key during this stretch.
The Thunder’s 19-1 start hasn’t come without adversity. Injuries have already tested their depth - Jalen Williams missed time, as did Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso, Luguentz Dort, and Aaron Wiggins. But the team has kept rolling, thanks to a deep bench, smart rotations, and a next-man-up mentality that’s clearly resonating in the locker room.
Losing Hartenstein for any stretch is a challenge, especially given how well he’s been playing. But the Thunder have shown they can adapt, and with a cautious approach to his recovery, they’re setting themselves up for long-term success. This isn’t about December - it’s about being healthy and whole when the games really start to matter.