After an impressive run in the postseason, it seems that the Oklahoma City Thunder are ready to make a run in the 2024-25 season with bigger expectations in their games. However, some hampering issues on their key players will prove to be crucial as they seek to begin the campaign with a massive bang in their games now more than ever.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the expected teams to lead the Western Conference. It can be remembered that the team saw a massive breakout season last year after finishing as the first seed in the West with a 57-25 record, making a massive leap from their 9th seed finish in the 2022-23 season with a 40-42 record. It seems that the team is really seeking to come up with a massive run to the top of the game.

OKC has come up with some interesting acquisitions in the offseason, bringing in the likes of Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso to the squad. However, with the way some key players have suffered some minor injuries, it does seem that Oklahoma City’s chances to start the season strong will be hampered at this point.

Hartenstein Out for a Month

Isaiah Hartenstein is expected to miss at least a month of basketball action after he sustained a non-displaced fracture in his left hand when the Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets in their preseason game. The Thunder has already released a statement regarding his status, saying that the big man is set to be re-evaluated in at least five to six weeks.

The Thunder added Hartenstein in the offseason as a free agent after the 7-foot, 250-pound big man proved to be a massive defensive impact player in his run with the New York Knicks last season, where he averaged 8.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. The Thunder hoped to address their rebounding and bulk issues, which proved to be pivotal in their semis exit last season.

So far, Hartenstein is expected to share plenty of minutes with Chet Holmgren on the center spot and is even slated to take on the power forward slot that was filled previously by Jaylin Williams – who is also out with injury along with Kenrich Williams.

Jalen Williams Set for Day-to-Day

Another Williams who has been added to the injury list for the Oklahoma City Thunder is Jalen Williams, who limped out of their preseason finale against the Atlanta Hawks. The third-year guard landed awkwardly after finishing at the rim, which later revealed to be a sprained ankle.

After a recent evaluation, Williams’ ankle sprain was not as severe as many fans expected, and he would go on to return to the team’s latest practice. Oklahoma City coach and 2024 Coach of the Year winner Mark Daigneault claimed that Williams is now listed as day-to-day, meaning that the guard can suit up for the game if needed.

At this point, it is expected that Williams will be back to action sooner rather than later, which looks good for OKC’s chances of improving in their games this season now more than ever.

OKC is expected to bring its game to begin the 2024-25 season with a game against the Denver Nuggets this October 24th, which will be broadcast nationally on TNT. However, it seems that the team will be entering the game shorthanded with key injuries to their players.