Sun Jan 26 09:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Thunder Center Hartenstein Returns, But Dort Out Against Blazers

**OKLAHOMA CITY, OK -** The Oklahoma City Thunder will welcome back center Isaiah Hartenstein for Sunday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, ending a five-game absence due to injury. Hartenstein’s return is a boost for the Thunder, who went 3-2 in his absence, including two losses to the Dallas Mavericks. This season, Hartenstein averages 11.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.2 stocks per game.

However, the Thunder will be without starting shooting guard Lu Dort, who is sidelined with right knee soreness. This marks only his second missed game of the season.

Adding to the injury woes, Chet Holmgren remains out with a hip fracture, and several other players were previously injured. Remarkably, guard Cason Wallace will play despite suffering a facial fracture in the last game. Rookie Dillon Jones has been assigned to the NBA G League. Isaiah Joe and Ousmane Dieng, previously sidelined by illness, are expected to return.

The Thunder’s injury report for the Blazers game lists Lu Dort (knee), Chet Holmgren (hip), Ajay Mitchell (toe), Nikola Topic (ACL), and Dillon Jones (assigned to G League) as out. Cason Wallace (facial fracture) is available. Hartenstein’s return is a positive sign for the team.

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