Thunder's Isaiah Hartenstein: Out at least five weeks
Rotowire
The Thunder announced Thursday that Hartenstein suffered a non-displaced fracture in his left hand and will be re-evaluated in 5-to-6 weeks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Hartenstein suffered the injury during the second half of Tuesday's preseason game versus the Nuggets. After averaging 25.3 minutes per game over 75 appearances for the Knicks in 2023-24, the 26-year-old signed a three-year, $87 million contract with the Thunder this summer and was expected to be the Oklahoma City's starting center in a frontcourt featuring Chet Holmgren at power forward. However, with Hartenstein likely out until at least early December, Holmgren should slide over to the center position, and Alex Caruso could enter the starting five.
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Thunder's Isaiah Hartenstein: Efficient as starter
Rotowire
Hartenstein delivered 11 points (4-7 FG, 3-7 FT), three rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block across 21 minutes in Tuesday's 124-94 preseason win over the Nuggets.
Hartenstein got the start at center with Chet Holmgren at power forward, and don't be surprised if the Thunder open their regular-season campaign against the Nuggets on Oct. 24 with this frontcourt setup. Even if he doesn't start and plays off the bench, Hartenstein will undoubtedly be a key contributor for Oklahoma City moving forward.
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Thunder's Isaiah Hartenstein: Starting Tuesday
Rotowire
Hartenstein will crack the starting lineup in Tuesday's preseason game against Denver.
Hartenstein replaces Alex Caruso in the starting five as head coach Mark Daigneault looks to experiment with different lineups prior to the start of the regular season. Hartenstein has had strong outings in both of his preseason games with the Thunder, including a nine-rebound effort against Houston. While it remains to be seen whether he will start in the regular season, Hartenstein will undoubtedly be a key contributor for Oklahoma City moving forward.
Thunder's Isaiah Hartenstein: Grabs nine rebounds off bench
Rotowire
Hartenstein posted six points (2-3 FG, 2-4 FT), nine rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block across 15 minutes off the bench in Wednesday's 122-113 preseason loss to the Rockets.
Hartenstein came off the bench after the Thunder decided to go with Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren in the frontcourt, but the former Knicks big man made his presence felt even though his scoring numbers weren't eye-popping. It's unclear if Hartenstein will open the season in a starting role, but a frontcourt with him and Holmgren would be an imposing duo, particularly on the defensive end.
Thunder's Isaiah Hartenstein: Not starting preseason opener
Rotowire
Hartenstein won't start Monday's preseason game against the Spurs, Rylan Stiles of FanSided.com reports.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort are resting Monday, while Hartenstein and Alex Caruso have been omitted from the starting lineup. Chet Holmgren is joined by Ousmane Dieng in the frontcourt. It's unclear how many minutes Hartenstein will play versus San Antonio.
