The New York Knicks have been unable to escape the injuries that dogged them last season. Part of the reason New York traded for Karl-Anthony Towns before training camp was because of the team’s short frontcourt depth. The front office knew Mitchell Robinson wouldn’t be ready for the start of the season.

The Knicks didn’t have the luxury of turning to Isaiah Hartenstein like they did last season when Robinson was injured. Hartenstein significantly increased his value in 2023-2024, signing a three-year, $87 million deal with Oklahoma City in free agency. New York couldn’t match that.

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

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

The Thunder especially need Hartenstein after the team’s latest injury. On November 10, Chet Holmgren broke his hip. He will be sidelined for at least another seven 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 no-brainer move. It will be tough to beat a healthy Oklahoma City squad, especially with Holmgren and Hartenstein on the back burner.

The Knicks tip off at 10 PM ET on Wednesday in Phoenix, meaning fans will have extra time before the game to watch Hartenstein and the Thunder play. The pain of his free departure should have disappeared by now.

In just over a month (January 3), New York will travel to Hartenstein’s new home state to play the Thunder. He returns to MSG for the first time since leaving on January 10. Hartenstein may be the enemy now, but he is still warmly received.