One of the Thunder’s biggest offseason acquisitions won’t be available when the new season gets underway.
Isaiah Hartenstein, who signed with Oklahoma City as a free agent during the offseason, will be sidelined to start the new campaign as he recovers from a hand injury suffered during the preseason. The injury was not deemed too serious, but it is a blow to a Thunder team looking to build chemistry from the onset of the season.
What is Hartenstein’s injury and how long will he be out? Here’s what to know about the center’s setback.
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What is Isaiah Hartenstein’s injury?
Hartenstein suffered a “small, non-displaced fracture in his left hand,” the Thunder announced on Oct. 17. The injury occurred during a preseason game but did not require surgery.
Last season, Hartenstein averaged 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists over 75 regular season games with the Knicks. He stepped up even more in the playoffs and became one of the biggest names in free agency.
Hartenstein signed a three-year, $87 million contract with the Thunder in the offseason. He is viewed as a piece that will sway the race to win the Western Conference in 2025.
POSITIONAL RANKINGS: PG | SG | SF | PF | C
How long will Isaiah Hartenstein be out?
Hartenstein will be re-evaluated in five to six weeks from the time of the injury. Based on that timeline, Hartenstein will remain out through at least Nov. 21.
The Thunder will play 16 games through Nov. 20, meaning Hartenstein is in line to miss around the first 20 percent of the season.
Thunder schedule 2024-25
After opening the season in Denver, the Thunder travel to Chicago before playing their home opener against the Hawks on the second night of a back-to-back.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Oct. 24 | at Nuggets | 10 p.m | TNT |
| Oct. 26 | at Bulls | 8 p.m. | — |
| Oct. 27 | vs. Hawks | 7 p.m. | — |
| Oct. 30 | vs. Spurs | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Nov. 1 | at Trail Blazers | 10 p.m. | — |
