Thunder C Isaiah Hartenstein still hasn’t played in December and has missed Oklahoma City’s last five games ahead of its Wednesday matchup with the Suns. The big man was a crucial offseason addition for the Thunder ahead of their 2024-25 title run.
However, the Thunder will have to play without their center on Wednesday, as he has been ruled out vs. the Suns tonight.
Below, we’ll provide an Isaiah Hartenstein injury update, what Thunder players could benefit if the big man is out — including Chet Holmgren, plus PrizePicks NBA projections and analysis for Wednesday night.
Isaiah Hartenstein Injury Update vs. Suns Tonight
Hartenstein has been ruled out for a sixth consecutive game with a right calf strain. He’s done some light on-court work, but isn’t expected to return to the hardwood this week in time for the NBA Cup.
Hartenstein's efficient scoring, defense and rebounding has helped Loud City stay on top of the basketball world.
Hartenstein has bumped up his production from last year. He’s averaging a career-high 12.2 points per game while shooting an all-time best 67.1% from the field alongside 2.1 blocks per game.
He fits perfectly alongside the Thunder’s other pieces to help maximize the potential of their world-class defense. The Thunder's 104.1 defensive rating is first in the NBA, six points better than the next best defense — Rockets, 110.7.
Several different players have filled in as starters since the last time Hartenstein suited up. Ajay Mitchell and Jaylin Williams are among the reserves who’ve gotten a little more burn during his absence.
Additionally, the Thunder will get key pieces back tonight, just in time to make an NBA Cup run. However, the Suns will be without leading scorer Devin Booker.
However, a regular starter might have the most to gain on Wednesday. Especially with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returning to the rotation after a one-game layoff.
Who Will Benefit With Isaiah Hartenstein Out?
OKC has more than one elite defensive big man, and the one not named Hartenstein can do a little more on the offensive end. Thunder PF Chet Holmgren has boosted his numbers while his backcourt partner is out of commission.
The Gonzaga product has averaged 20.6 points and 8.4 rebounds while shooting 65.2% from the field and 42.9% from deep over his previous five games. His scoring average has gone up by 2.0 points while his field goal and 3-point percentages have both improved by at least 6.5%.
The prolific shot blocker has posted 27.1 points per 100 possessions without Hartenstein since he joined the Thunder last year, according to Add More Funds. He’s averaging 13.2 shot attempts per contest through 17 games without Hartenstein since the start of 2024-25.
Holmgren opened up his 2025-26 points with 23 points and 8 rebounds against the Suns. He’s scored at least 20 points in his last three matchups vs. the Suns.
Chet Holmgren Stats, Projections vs. Suns
Here are the most popular Holmgren player picks vs. the Suns tonight, via PrizePicks, where you can pick More or Less on player stats to win real money if you're right.
- 18 Points
- 8.5 Rebounds
- 28.5 Pts+Rebs+Asts
- 18.5 Pts+Asts
- 26.5 Pts+Rebs
- 0.5 Blocks (Goblin)
Make Wednesday NBA Picks on PrizePicks
After a brief injury scare, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be back in the mix for the Thunder’s Wednesday NBA Cup Quarterfinals matchup vs. the Suns, but Isaiah Hartenstein is set to miss his sixth consecutive game.
Chet Holmgren could be poised to increase his production in the midweek clash and has performed well against Phoenix in recent meetings.
No matter how you think Wednesday's NBA Cup Quarterfinal between the Thunder vs. Suns plays out, you can cash in on your NBA picks on PrizePicks. Just pick your players, predict More or Less on their stats, and cash in if your picks are right.
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