Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein has been diagnosed with a right soleus strain and will be reexamined in 10 to 14 days, the team announced on Saturday.
The injury was discovered after the 27-year-old missed Friday’s win over the Phoenix Suns because of soreness in the same leg. Hartenstein had appeared in the Thunder’s first 19 games, averaging 12.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.3 steals in 27.8 minutes while shooting 67.1% from the field.
Hartenstein’s absence adds to Oklahoma City’s early-season injury list. Despite a league-best 19-1 record, the Thunder have yet to field their full roster. Jalen Williams made his season debut Friday, while Chet Holmgren, Luguentz Dort, Alex Caruso, Kenrich Williams, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins have all missed multiple games.
With Hartenstein out, Holmgren started at center on Friday as head coach Mark Daigneault opted for a smaller lineup. Reserve big man Jaylin Williams logged 21 minutes and is expected to see an expanded role until Hartenstein returns.
This is the second soleus issue for Hartenstein in as many seasons; he missed five games last January with a left soleus strain. The veteran signed with Oklahoma City as a free agent in the summer of 2024, a contract that carries a $28.5 million team option for the 2026-27 season.
Source: Hoops Rumors
