Thunder’s Isaiah Hartenstein out at least 10-14 days with right soleus (calf) strain

Oklahoma City starting center Isaiah Hartenstein is out with a right soleus strain and will be reevaluated in 10-14 days, Thunder announced.

The soleus is the deeper of the two calf muscles and extends from the heel to just below the knee. It’s essential for running and jumping, not to mention protecting the Achilles tendon, and the Thunder won’t bring Hartenstein back from this.

Announcement

Hartenstein has been a rock on the floor for the 19-1 Thunder this season, averaging 12.2 points per game, shooting 67.1 percent from the floor and adding 10.7 rebounds per game while playing quality defense. The Thunder have outscored opponents by 16.1 points per 100 possessions when Hartenstein was on the court this season.

With him out, the Thunder slid Chet Holmgren from the four to the five and started newly returned forward Jalen Williams from the four, and that’s likely to continue. Hartenstein’s absence will also mean more running for Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams.

OKC has picked up this league-leading start despite battling a series of injuries. Jalen Williams — an All-NBA player a season ago — just returned from wrist surgery, but Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso, Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins also missed time this season.