Thunder’s Isaiah Hartenstein out at least a week
The Oklahoma City Thunder will be without center Isaiah Hartenstein for at least a week due to a left calf strain.
Hartenstein suffered the injury in Tuesday’s win over the Philadelphia 76ers, which will keep him sidelined for the next several games.
It has been an injury-plagued first year with the Thunder for the 26-year-old, as he missed the first few weeks of the season due to a fractured left hand.
Hartenstein is putting forth a career-best campaign, averaging career-best numbers across the board with 11.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.3 blocks while shooting 56.1 percent from the floor in 29.8 minutes in 24 games. He has also notched a career-best 15 double-doubles.
He is in the first year of his three-year, $87 million deal that has quickly paid dividends for the Thunder. He was playing a pivotal role in the frontcourt for the Thunder especially with star big man Chet Holmgren still out since Nov. 10 due to a fractured pelvis.
Hartenstein has provided stability behind his steady play, which has helped Oklahoma City remain atop the Western Conference standings. His absence leaves a significant void in the frontcourt as the team is without two key pieces.
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Holmgren is inching closer to his return as he has begun basketball activities such as spot shooting, and he will continue to ramp up his on-court work.
The Thunder hold a commanding six-game lead in the Western Conference, which includes winning nine of their last 10 games. Oklahoma City is set to play the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.
