Isaiah Hartenstein to miss rematch vs. Cavs

Oklahoma City will be shorthanded in Thursday’s showdown.

The Cleveland Cavaliers used their height and depth inside to come away with a 129-122 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder last week. The Thunder didn’t have an answer for either Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen as they combined for 46 points while showing that they can be skilled playmakers in the short roll.

That advantage will only be more pronounced during their rematch on Thursday as Isaiah Hartenstein will not be able to play due to a left soleus strain. Chet Holmgren (hip) is ramping up for his return, but that will be after their showdown with Cleveland on Thursday.

Hartenstein was brought in to strengthen a position of weakness this summer. Holmgren struggled to be one of the only bigs in their playoff rotation last postseason. Hartenstein hasn’t been able to play with Holmgren yet this season, but the idea is that both could start together or play in separate lineups depending on the matchup.

That optionality won’t be there on Thursday against Cleveland. The Thunder will likely turn to Jaylin Williams to start at center, but he may not be someone they stick with for long. Williams struggled to hang with Mobley and Allen in their first meeting and was held to 3 points in 11 minutes.

Oklahoma City will likely go long stretches of the game with Kenrich Williams (6’6”) as their tallest player on the court. Going small has worked against most teams as evidenced by their impressive 33-6 record, but most teams can’t beat them up inside like the Cavs have shown they can.

The Thunder will be getting Alex Caruso back for this game as he missed the first matchup in Cleveland. He will be very helpful in slowing down the Cavs’ All-Star caliber backcourt.

This matchup will come down to which style of basketball works on this particular night. Hartenstein’s absence will just cause the Thunder to double down on playing small.