OKC gets some good news amid injury reports against the Timberwolves

In the rematch of the 2025 Western Conference Finals, shorthand Oklahoma City Thunder will have a starting center Isaiah Hartensteinwho had been missing since December, returned from injury against Minnesota Timberwolves. The The Thunder bounced back after dropping two at home with a 104-95 win against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Thursday’s game against the Timberwolves will be the first time the Thunder have faced Minnesota since Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, when Oklahoma City won the best-of-7 series 4-1. For the first time in more than five weeks, Hartenstein’s name has been removed from the Thunder injury report.

With half a dozen players out, the Thunder will continue to compete with their thin backcourt, which is missing veteran Alex Caruso, Ajay Mitchell and Cason Wallace. At the same time, Aaron Wiggins started in place of the injured Jalen Williams.

Still, the Thunder will have their second rim protector in Hartenstein, alongside Chet Holmgren, as the seven-foot tandem sparks opposing teams’ attacks in the paint. Isaiah Hartenstein is averaging 11.2 points on 64.4% shooting, 10.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game this season.

Chet Holmgren on Minneapolis murders after Thunder win

Ahead of facing the Timberwolves, the Thunder advance Chet Holmgren addressed the civil unrest in Minneapoliswhich is his hometown, and his first trip back since two civilians were killed in two separate incidents. Holmgren approached the topic honestly u his sincere address after Tuesday’s 104-95 win the Pelicans.

“It’s obviously a very loaded topic. I don’t want to get into the opinions and the politics of it all, but I definitely just want to send my best wishes to everyone affected,” Holmgren said. “I have a lot of friends, family, neighbors, especially close ones in that area. My parents’ house is three blocks from where the last incident happened. I know that area well. My sisters would always get donuts from the donut shop on that street.

“My grandfather’s favorite Greek restaurant is on that street. Everything is very close. So when you see that happen, it definitely takes you back. You never want to see anything like that. I definitely think we’re too advanced as a species — plain and simple — for that kind of thing to happen. No matter what your opinions or beliefs are. You should agree that no one should agree with the street.”

Chet Holmgren’s heartfelt statement about the shooting in his hometown of Minneapolis: “I don’t want to get into opinions or politics about everything, but I definitely just want to send my best wishes to everyone who was affected.

I have a lot of friends, family, neighbors,… pic.twitter.com/IlDKAimf3z

— Joshua Pavon (@joe_svai) January 28, 2026

The Timberwolves will host the Thunder on Thursday.