
Image credits: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been making a name for themselves in the NBA, and their super big lineup is a major factor in their success. With Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren manning the paint, the team has become a force to be reckoned with, both defensively and offensively. However, Hartenstein's recent injury has raised some concerns, as he took a shot to the nose from an opposing player in the third quarter of a game against the Timberwolves and was unable to return.
According to reports, Hartenstein will undergo further evaluation on his nose, and his next chance to play will come in the team's matchup against Brooklyn. The big man's absence was felt in the game against the Timberwolves, as the Thunder lost 131-128 in overtime. Despite the loss, the team's super big lineup has been impressive, with Hartenstein and Holmgren averaging 38.0 points from just 14.5 minutes in the four games they've played together. This lineup has also excelled on defense, with both Hartenstein and Holmgren able to protect the rim and switch onto smaller players out of screens.
The Thunder's success with their super big lineup has been a welcome change for the team, which was forced to start 6-foot-5 Jalen Williams at center earlier in the season due to injuries to Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Jaylin Williams. Now that the team is whole again, they are closer to the team many envisioned when they signed Hartenstein last summer. The team's defensive versatility has been particularly impressive, with Luguentz Dort, Williams, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander all able to guard up to four positions with their length.
Here are some key statistics for the Thunder's super big lineup:
- Average points per game: 38.0
- Average minutes per game: 14.5
- Points per 36 minutes: 94.5
- Defensive rating: 95.6
In other NBA news, the Brooklyn Nets are looking to get back on track after a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Philadelphia 76ers are trying to snap a six-game losing streak. The Nets and 76ers are both 20-35 and are tied for the No. 12 seed in the East, making their upcoming matchup a crucial one for both teams. The Nets will be without D'Angelo Russell, who is out with an ankle injury, but they are looking to bounce back from their recent loss and make a push for the playoffs. With the NBA season heating up, fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming games and matchups, and the Thunder's super big lineup is sure to be a major factor in the team's success. The playoffs are just around the corner, and the Thunder are looking to make a deep run and bring home a championship.
hartenstein isaiah thunder oklahoma big update super lineup injury city
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