Oklahoma City center Isaiah Hartenstein is set to rejoin the lineup on Thursday when the Thunder host the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 7-foot German was removed from the club’s latest injury report, signaling his first appearance since mid-December.
Hartenstein has been sidelined for 16 games because of a soleus strain in his right calf. Before the setback, he started Oklahoma City’s first 19 contests, producing 12.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.
The Thunder opened the season 18-1 with Hartenstein available, but have gone 20-9 in the 29 games played since he initially missed time. The team recently dropped consecutive home games for the first time this year.
With both Hartenstein and forward Jalen Williams nursing injuries, head coach Mark Daigneault has experimented with several starting lineups. Jaylin Williams, Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, Ajay Mitchell and Isaiah Joe have all received at least one start during the stretch. Williams remains out for at least another week, but Hartenstein’s return should bring additional stability to the rotation.
Tipoff against Minnesota is scheduled for Thursday night at Paycom Center.
Source: Hoops Rumors
