Oklahoma City Thunder big man Isaiah Hartenstein is no longer listed on the injury report heading into Thursday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman.
Injuries Have Limited Isaiah Hartenstein
Hartenstein has missed the last 16 games for the Thunder with a soleus strain in his right calf. After starting the first 19 games for Oklahoma City, the 7-footer has appeared in just five of 29 contests since then.
The calf injury has been a lingering issue for Hartenstein this season.
Hartenstein’s injury was initially diagnosed as a left calf strain after being ruled out of a Dec. 29 game against the Atlanta Hawks. The Oregon native sustained the soleus strain during a Dec. 28 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Here's the injury report for OKC's road game against Minnesota tomorrow:
Isaiah Hartenstein is no longer listed. He's available after missing the last 16 games due to a right soleus strain. Big news for the Thunder. pic.twitter.com/BPJD8zDXwj
— Justin Martinez (@Justintohoops) January 28, 2026
The Thunder went 18-1 with Hartenstein on the floor to start the campaign, and have since gone 20-9 with the former second-rounder sidelined. OKC recently lost back-to-back games at home for the first time all season.
Through 24 games (all starts) this season, Hartenstein is averaging a career-high-tying 11.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 26.9 minutes per outing while shooting 64.4% from the field and 64.9% from the foul line.
Thunder Finally Receive Frontcourt Boost
Prior to the injury, the 27-year-old was leading the NBA in defensive rating (102.6) and had ranked 17th in total rebounds (249), 16th in offensive rebounds (81), and fifth in defensive box plus/minus (2.3).
In Oklahoma City’s 132-101 win at Sacramento on Nov. 7, he recorded a career-high 33 points on 14-of-17 (82.4%) shooting from the floor and 5-for-6 (83.3%) from the free throw line.
Per Spotrac, Hartenstein signed a three-year, $87 million contract with the Thunder in July 2024. He’s earning $28.5 million this campaign, and his deal includes a 2026-27 player option worth the same amount.
OKC’s frontcourt depth had also been depleted by the absence of backup center Jaylin Williams, who was sidelined for 13 straight games with right heel bursitis before making his return Jan. 11 against the Miami Heat.
Jalen Williams, meanwhile, remains out for at least another week due to a right hamstring strain. He’s missed the last five games since suffering the injury in a Jan. 17 loss at Miami.
