Isaiah Hartenstein will not play in Wednesday's preseason game against the Bucks because of an ankle issue, per the Thunder's Day-To-Day report filed at 6:38 PM ET. Oklahoma City will be without him for the matchup, shifting more frontcourt minutes to Chet Holmgren and the rest of the rotation.
What happened
The Thunder listed Isaiah Hartenstein as Day-To-Day with an ankle and leg issue in their report filed Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 6:38 PM ET. Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports Hartenstein will not play in Wednesday's preseason game against the Bucks. His previous entry was also Day-To-Day, filed Monday, Oct. 5, for rest. The ankle issue first appeared on the report Sunday, Sept. 6, before he was cleared from Day-To-Day on Thursday, Oct. 1.
What it means for the Thunder
Oklahoma City opens its preseason schedule Wednesday at 8:00 PM ET against the Bucks without Hartenstein on the floor. Last season he averaged 9.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 24.2 minutes across 47 games, the kind of rebounding and playmaking the Thunder lose at center. In games without him, Chet Holmgren has carried more frontcourt minutes, averaging 29.0 minutes and 17.1 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (33.2 minutes, 31.1 points) and Jalen Williams (28.4 minutes, 17.1 points) anchor the rest of the rotation. The Thunder are 0-0, since the 2026-27 season has not started, so there is no record yet with or without him.
What to watch
The Thunder are expected to update Hartenstein's status on their next injury report. He is targeted to return by Monday, Oct. 12, per the team's expected-return timeline. Oklahoma City continues its preseason schedule in the days after Wednesday's game against the Bucks, and his next appearance on the report will show whether the ankle has settled before the 2026-27 season opener.
Is Isaiah Hartenstein playing vs the Bucks on Wednesday?
No. He is Day-To-Day with an ankle issue and will not play in Wednesday's preseason game against the Bucks.
When will Isaiah Hartenstein be back?
His expected return is Oct. 12, 2026, per the team's injury report.