The New York Knicks couldn’t escape the injuries that plagued them last season. One reason New York traded for Karl-Anthony Towns before training camp was the team’s lack of frontcourt depth. The front office knew Mitchell Robinson wouldn’t be ready to start the season.

The Knicks didn’t have the luxury of turning to Isaiah Hartenstein like they did last season when Robinson was injured. Hartenstein increased his value significantly in 2023–24, signing a three-year, $87 million contract with Oklahoma City as an unrestricted free agent. New York couldn’t keep up.

Unfortunately, Hartenstein has yet to make his regular season debut for the Thunder after breaking his left hand in a preseason game on October 15th. He missed the team’s first 15 games of the regular season. However, Hartenstein was upgraded to questionable prior to Oklahoma City’s game against Portland on Wednesday.

Hartenstein may not make his regular-season debut on Wednesday, but it’s clear he’s close to making his return. After tonight, the Thunder’s next game won’t be until Monday. If he doesn’t play against the Trail Blazers, he’ll probably play against the Kings.

The Thunder have a special need for Hartenstein after the team’s recent injury. On November 10, Chet Holmgren broke his hip. He will be sidelined for at least seven more weeks. Oklahoma City played small without Hartenstein and Holmgren.

After winning the Western Conference last season, the Thunder had one of the best offseasons in the league. Not only did they sign Hartenstein, but they also traded Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso. That was a given. It will be hard to beat a healthy Oklahoma City squad, especially with Holmgren and Hartenstein behind.

The Knicks’ tipoff is Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET in Phoenix, meaning fans will have extra time before the game to watch Hartenstein and the Thunder if he plays. The pain of his departure in free agency may have subsided by now.

In just over a month (January 3), New York will travel to Hartenstein’s new home state to play with the Thunder. He will return to MSG for the first time since his departure on January 10th. Hartenstein may be the enemy now, but he will still receive a warm welcome.