No team in the NBA has been hotter than the Thunder to begin the 2025-26 season. They are an incredible 20-1 through their first 21 games.
Oklahoma City started the year 8-0, lost one game, and has sicne won 12 straight. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder look poised to win back-to-back championships. Early in the year, OKC has been dealing with injuries. Starting center Isaiah Hartenstein is reportedly out 10-14 days due to a calf strain. Luckily, the team has elite depth and has not skipped a beat.
Isaiah Hartenstein is out 10-14 days due to a soleus strain
Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein has sustained a right soleus strain and will be re-evaluated in 10-14 days. pic.twitter.com/7I31J51jEg
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) November 30, 2025
To begin the 2025-26 season, Isaiah Hartenstein started the Thunder’s first 19 games. Unfortunately, he suffered a right calf injury and will be re-evaluated in 10 to 14 days. Hartenstein has missed OKC’s last two contests due to injury. The big man had an examination done after he missed the team’s game last Friday. Oklahoma City has the bigger picture in mind for the 2025-26 season.
Additionally, they are a team that is built with elite depth. The Thunder have a ton of talent on the roster. This allows head coach Mark Daigneault to have positional versatility. While Hartenstein is out, Daigneault shifts to a smaller starting lineup. Chet Holmgren moves over from power forward to center.
Isaiah Hartenstein Injury News: The soleus is a part of the calf muscle complex. The average time lost for soleus strains is ~17.5 days (6 games). Hartenstein suffered a soleus strain in the opposite leg last season & missed 12 days (5 games).
— Jeff Stotts (@InStreetClothes) November 30, 2025
Oklahoma City recently added Jalen Williams back to the lineup as well. He missed time early in the year due to hand surgery he had during the offseaosn. Williams can play PF for the Thunder while Isaiah Hartenstein misses time. Backup big man Jaylin Williams could see increased minutes while Hartenstein is out. Williams played 21 minutes off the bench last Friday vs. the Suns.
In 19 games to begin the 2025-26 season, Isaiah Hartenstein is averaging 12.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.3 steals. His 10.7 rebounds per game lead the Thunder this year. Last season, Isaiah Hartenstein suffered a left soleus strain and missed five games. Hartenstein has already missed two games due to a right soleus injury in 2025-26. NBA insiders reported that the big man will miss 10-14 days for OKC. The Thunder are on a 12-game win streak and will likely be just fine while Isaiah Hartenstein is out.
