Thunder's Isaiah Hartenstein: Seismic return for Oklahoma City
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Hartenstein (hand) has been cleared for action and will play Wednesday versus Portland, Rylan Stiles of FanSided.com reports.
Hartenstein was set to be re-evaluated at the end of November, so his availability Wednesday crushes his initial timeline after suffering a non-displaced fracture in his left hand. He steps into a critical role with Chet Holmgren (hip) slated to be sidelined beyond the next month, although Hartenstein's initial ramp-up over the next week could be gradual. He profiles as a huge boost to Oklahoma City's rebounding, as well as an asset in the pick-and-roll for all involved.
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Thunder's Isaiah Hartenstein: Upgraded to questionable
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Hartenstein (hand) has been upgraded to questionable for Wednesday's game against Portland.
This is massive news for the Thunder, as Hartenstein was initially given a five-week timetable back on Oct. 17. With Chet Holmgren (hip) sidelined for multiple weeks, Hartenstein could step into a massive role right away for the Thunder, assuming his conditioning is up to par. Once Hartenstein does get the green light, the Thunder won't have to rely on their small-ball lineups as much.
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Thunder's Isaiah Hartenstein: Out at least five weeks
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The Thunder announced Thursday that Hartenstein suffered a non-displaced fracture in his left hand and will be re-evaluated in 5-to-6 weeks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Hartenstein suffered the injury during the second half of Tuesday's preseason game versus the Nuggets. After averaging 25.3 minutes per game over 75 appearances for the Knicks in 2023-24, the 26-year-old signed a three-year, $87 million contract with the Thunder this summer and was expected to be the Oklahoma City's starting center in a frontcourt featuring Chet Holmgren at power forward. However, with Hartenstein likely out until at least early December, Holmgren should slide over to the center position, and Alex Caruso could enter the starting five.
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Thunder's Isaiah Hartenstein: Efficient as starter
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Hartenstein delivered 11 points (4-7 FG, 3-7 FT), three rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block across 21 minutes in Tuesday's 124-94 preseason win over the Nuggets.
Hartenstein got the start at center with Chet Holmgren at power forward, and don't be surprised if the Thunder open their regular-season campaign against the Nuggets on Oct. 24 with this frontcourt setup. Even if he doesn't start and plays off the bench, Hartenstein will undoubtedly be a key contributor for Oklahoma City moving forward.
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Thunder's Isaiah Hartenstein: Starting Tuesday
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Hartenstein will crack the starting lineup in Tuesday's preseason game against Denver.
Hartenstein replaces Alex Caruso in the starting five as head coach Mark Daigneault looks to experiment with different lineups prior to the start of the regular season. Hartenstein has had strong outings in both of his preseason games with the Thunder, including a nine-rebound effort against Houston. While it remains to be seen whether he will start in the regular season, Hartenstein will undoubtedly be a key contributor for Oklahoma City moving forward.
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Thunder's Isaiah Hartenstein: Grabs nine rebounds off bench
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Hartenstein posted six points (2-3 FG, 2-4 FT), nine rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block across 15 minutes off the bench in Wednesday's 122-113 preseason loss to the Rockets.
Hartenstein came off the bench after the Thunder decided to go with Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren in the frontcourt, but the former Knicks big man made his presence felt even though his scoring numbers weren't eye-popping. It's unclear if Hartenstein will open the season in a starting role, but a frontcourt with him and Holmgren would be an imposing duo, particularly on the defensive end.
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Thunder's Isaiah Hartenstein: Not starting preseason opener
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Hartenstein won't start Monday's preseason game against the Spurs, Rylan Stiles of FanSided.com reports.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort are resting Monday, while Hartenstein and Alex Caruso have been omitted from the starting lineup. Chet Holmgren is joined by Ousmane Dieng in the frontcourt. It's unclear how many minutes Hartenstein will play versus San Antonio.
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Thunder's Isaiah Hartenstein: Bound for OKC on three-year deal
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Hartenstein agreed with the Thunder on a three-year, $87 million contract Monday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
Hartenstein had a massive market heading into free agency, so the Thunder had to act quickly to secure his services. Frontcourt depth was an obvious weakness for the Thunder last season, so adding Hartenstein will make Oklahoma City an even more formidable threat in the Western Conference. During the 2023-24 campaign with the Knicks, Hartenstein produced averages of 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks in 25.3 minutes per contest over 75 regular-season appearances. Assuming the Thunder choose to deploy Hartenstein as their starting center, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams will likely slide to power forward and small forward, respectively, while one of Luguentz Dort or Alex Caruso would head to the bench.
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Knicks' Isaiah Hartenstein: Ties Knicks record in Game 5
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Hartenstein contributed seven points (2-3 FG, 3-4 FT), 15 rebounds, five assists and one block over 31 minutes in Tuesday's 121-91 win over the Pacers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Hartenstein registered double-digit rebounds for the second time this playoffs. He was responsible for 12 of New York's 20 offensive rebounds, which tied Charles Oakley for the most in a playoff game in Knicks history. Hartenstein has continued to provide crucial minutes for the Knicks in the absence of Mitchell Robinson (ankle). Hartenstein is averaging 8.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
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Knicks' Isaiah Hartenstein: Good to go for Game 5
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Hartenstein (shoulder) isn't listed on New York's injury report for Tuesday's Game 5 against the Pacers.
As expected, Hartenstein will be good to go for Game 5 after suffering a minor shoulder injury during Sunday's Game 4 loss. In New York's two wins during the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Hartenstein has averaged 13.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists. However, in the two losses, the starting center has totaled only 10 points, 13 rebounds and five assists.
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Knicks' Isaiah Hartenstein: Suffers minor injury in loss
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Hartenstein suffered a minor shoulder injury in Sunday's Game 4 loss to the Pacers, but he should be good to go for Game 5 on Tuesday, Ian Begley of SportsNet New York reports.
Hartenstein was in clear discomfort after taking a fall during Sunday's 121-89 loss to the Pacers, but he was able to continue playing. Following the game, Hartenstein stated he may have pinched a nerve in his shoulder, but reassured that he is fine. The 26-year-old pro finished Sunday's contest with a meager four points (2-3 FG) and five rebounds across 21 minutes.
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Knicks' Isaiah Hartenstein: Flirts with triple-double in win
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Hartenstein contributed 14 points (5-7 FG, 4-4 FT), 12 rebounds, eight assists and one block over 39 minutes during Wednesday's 130-121 victory over the Pacers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Hartenstein continues to impress for the Knicks, falling two assists short of a triple-double. With Mitchell Robinson (ankle) likely out for the remainder of the postseason, Hartenstein should be in line for heavy minutes moving forward. It's been a breakout season for Hartenstein, one that should have him well-placed to receive a sizeable upgrade when it comes time to discuss his future contract.
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Knicks' Isaiah Hartenstein: Limited by foul trouble
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Hartenstein closed Thursday's 125-114 loss to Philadelphia in Game 3 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs with 14 points (7-12 FG, 0-1 3Pt), four rebounds and one assist in 26 minutes.
Hartenstein picked up five fouls in the loss, limiting him to just 26 minutes. Mitchell Robinson went down with another ankle injury, meaning the Knicks are going to need Hartenstein to play the bulk of the center minutes. While this performance was modest, to say the least, Hartenstein has been a factor in the series to this point, continuing his breakout season.
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Knicks' Isaiah Hartenstein: Picks up double-double Thursday
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Hartenstein logged 11 points (5-11 FG, 1-3 FT), 13 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal in 33 minutes during Thursday's 118-109 victory over the Celtics.
Hartenstein recorded a double-double for the second time over his last three appearances, and while he doesn't hold a prominent role in an offensive scheme led by Jalen Brunson, the big man has found ways to contribute regularly in a starting role. Hartenstein is averaging 10.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game over his last 10 games while scoring in double digits in four straight appearances.
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Knicks' Isaiah Hartenstein: Double-doubles in win
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Hartenstein closed with 18 points (8-9 FG, 2-3 FT), 10 rebounds, one assist and one steal over 29 minutes during Sunday's 122-109 win over the Bucks.
Mitchell Robinson continues to play a limited role off the bench, and Hartenstein likely holds onto his starting job moving forward. He's been a top-50 player in nine-category formats for the past month, averaging 10.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks.
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Knicks' Isaiah Hartenstein: Records double-double Sunday
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Hartenstein had 17 points (6-8 FG, 5-7 FT), 12 rebounds, five assists and one steal in 29 minutes during Sunday's 113-112 loss to Oklahoma City.
Hartenstein was efficient from the field and active on the glass en route to posting his first double-double since March 18. Hartenstein doesn't get many touches on offense, which limits his upside a bit, but he's been able to deliver solid numbers across the board regardless of that. Over his last 10 outings, he's averaging 11.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.2 steals per contest.
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Knicks' Isaiah Hartenstein: Good to go
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Hartenstein (wrist) is available for Sunday's game against the Thunder, Fred Katz of The Athletic reports.
As expected, Hartenstein has been upgraded from probable to available and will play despite a wrist strain. Over his last six appearances, he's averaged 13.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.5 blocks in 24.7 minutes per game.
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Knicks' Isaiah Hartenstein: Probable to face Oklahoma City
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Hartenstein is probable to play Sunday against the Thunder despite a right wrist sprain.
Hartenstein has started 14 games in a row, and while his status is in doubt to face Chet Holmgren and the Thunder on Sunday, the fact that he is listed as probable suggests he has a good chance of being available. Hartenstein is averaging 9.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game since the beginning of March.
Hartenstein recorded 20 points (8-10 FG, 4-5 FT), eight rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal over 26 minutes before fouling out of Thursday's 113-100 loss to Denver.
Hartenstein had one of his best performances of the season while battling against his former teammate, Nikola Jokic, on both ends of the court, but his efforts were not enough to lift the Knicks to victory here. The 20-point output was a season-high mark for Harstenstein, who's averaging just 8.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game in March.
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Knicks' Isaiah Hartenstein: Back on track Saturday
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Hartenstein closed with seven points (3-3 FG, 1-1 FT), 14 rebounds, three assists, four blocks and one steal across 28 minutes during Saturday's 98-91 win over the Kings.
Hartenstein got back on track in the win, grabbing 14 boards, to go with five combined steals and blocks. He continues to work his way back from an Achilles injury, which has limited his workload over the past few weeks. While this was certainly a step in the right direction, managers would love to see at least one more game before declaring him back to his best.
