Thunder Face Center Crisis as Hartenstein Joins Holmgren on Injury List

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Oklahoma City Thunder will be without their top two centers for the second time this season after Isaiah Hartenstein suffered a left soleus strain during Wednesday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The team announced he will be re-evaluated in a week, leaving the Thunder shorthanded as they prepare to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday.

Hartenstein’s injury comes as the Thunder continue to miss star big man Chet Holmgren, who remains sidelined. This marks the second stretch this season where Oklahoma City has been without both starting centers. In mid-November, the team went 3-3 without their bigs before Hartenstein returned to action.

This time, however, the Thunder have a key difference: backup center Jaylin Williams is healthy. While Williams doesn’t possess the same talent as Holmgren or Hartenstein, his 6-foot-10, 250-pound frame provides a larger presence inside. This season, Williams has averaged 4.5 points, four rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 13.3 minutes per game.

“Jaylin brings a different dynamic to our lineup,” said a team spokesperson. “He’s proven he can step up when called upon.”

Williams has experience in expanded roles, having started 36 games during his rookie season when the Thunder made their push to the play-in tournament. During those starts, he averaged roughly 21 minutes per game. His size and experience make him a viable option to fill the void left by Hartenstein and Holmgren.

In Thursday’s game against Cleveland, Williams made his first start of the season, recording five points, five rebounds, and one assist in 14 minutes during the Thunder’s 134-114 victory. However, his limited playing time suggests the team may continue to experiment with lineups, including using Jalen Williams as a small-ball center, as they did earlier this season.

With Hartenstein averaging nearly 30 minutes per game before his injury, Jaylin Williams is expected to see increased playing time. However, the Thunder may also turn to Branden Carlson to share minutes at the center position, potentially limiting Williams’ fantasy value for the time being.

The Thunder’s next game is scheduled for Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies, where they will continue to navigate their center rotation without Hartenstein and Holmgren.