The OKC Thunder will aim to stretch its 11-game win streak on Sunday as they lock horns with the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center. However, they have taken a big hit ahead of the clash, with Isiah Hartenstein ruled out due to injury.
Senior NBA insider Michael Scotto reported the news on Saturday, saying Hartenstein could miss at least 10-14 days with a soleus strain.
"Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein has sustained a right soleus strain and will be re-evaluated in 10-14 days," Scotto reported via X (formerly Twitter).
The center was on the sidelines during the Thunder's 123-119 win over the Phoenix Suns in the Emirates NBA Cup on Friday, and he is expected to miss more games in early December, becoming the third player on OKC's injury report.
Thomas Sorber and Nikola Topic are out indefinitely. Sorber tore his ACL in the offseason and has not made his season debut yet, while Topic was diagnosed with testicular cancer and remains sidelined without any return timeline.
Big miss for OKC Thunder
Hartenstein's absence will be a big miss for the Thunder. The center has averaged 12.2 points and 10.7 rebounds per game and has led Chet Holmgren to play with more freedom.
Big responsibility on Holmgreen's shoulders
In Hartenstein's absence Holmgren will start as the center with Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams getting more game time in the starting five. Although they secured a win against the SUns on Friday, the Trail Blazers will give a tough fight.
The Thunder's only defeat came against Portland earlier this month, a narrow 121-119 defeat. They avenged that outcome last Sunday, but Hartenstein played a crucial role in both games.
When and where to watch the OKC Thunder vs Portland Trail Blazers game?
The OKC Thunder vs Portland game is scheduled for tip-off at 6:00 pm ET. Fans in Portland can watch on BlazerVision, while viewers in Oklahoma can catch the live action on FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma.
Viewers can access the live stream on the FUBO TV app or NBA League Pass on NBA.com.