Reinforcements have arrived. After missing the last 16 games with a soleus strain, Isaiah Hartenstein is set to return as the Oklahoma City Thunder travel to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, Jan. 29.
Hartenstein initially sustained the injury in a win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Dec. 28.
It was Hartenstein's second soleus strain of the season. He's missed 24 of OKC's 48 games with the nagging calf injury. Considering how tricky and dangerous those can be if not treated properly, his absence for the past month shouldn't be a shocker.
Hartenstein has averaged 11.2 points on 64.4% shooting, 10.4 rebounds and three assists in 24 games this season. The Thunder have struggled on the boards in his absence.
Good timing for Hartenstein to return. The Timberwolves are the type of team you need a healthy frontcourt against. Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle have accompanied Anthony Edwards as Minnesota has played like a contender all season.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Isaiah Hartenstein to return from 16-game absence from soleus strain
