Hartenstein's Thunder Debut Delayed

Isaiah Hartenstein, the 7-footer, fresh off signing a three-year, $87 million deal, will have to chill on the sidelines after sustaining a small, non-displaced fracture in his left hand. The injury happened during Tuesday’s preseason showdown with the Nuggets.

The docs say it’ll take five to six weeks to know more, but let's be real, re-evaluation isn’t the same as ready to suit up. So, worst-case scenario? He might miss up to 18 games to kick off the regular season. Thunder fans, it’s a wait and see situation.

Losing Hartenstein this early hurts. The dude was supposed to anchor their defense and add some muscle to a squad that surprised everyone last year by becoming the youngest No. 1 seed in NBA history. But it’s not all doom and gloom. The Thunder still have their core intact and brought in defensive ace Alex Caruso over the summer. So, the show must go on.

Hartenstein averaged 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 blocks last season for the Knicks. Those are some solid numbers OKC will miss. But with their fast-paced, young lineup and Caruso adding some extra grit, the Thunder might just ride this one out.

Kawhi Leonard's Knee Woes Continue

Kawhi Leonard’s absence at the start of the season is giving Clippers fans that all-too-familiar feeling. According to sources, the two-time Finals MVP is sidelined indefinitely due to inflammation in his right knee, with no clear timetable for a return.

Kawhi hasn’t suited up once this preseason, nor has he participated in any full-contact practices. It’s all part of a cautious rehab plan designed to keep him in top form, but here’s the reality: The Clippers are stuck in a waiting game. This is the same knee that cost Kawhi the entire 2021-22 season and has him missing nearly half of the Clippers’ games since 2019.

Oh, and just to stir the pot a little more, Kendrick Perkins made a bold suggestion on ESPN’s NBA Today:

With Kawhi sidelined, the Clippers are leaning heavily on James Harden, who’s had the rare luxury of a full training camp to settle in this season. Harden will need to shoulder more of the offensive load and be the team’s on-court leader.

It’s a tough situation. Kawhi still has a three-year, $149.5 million deal in place, but at what point do both parties ask: “Is it worth it?” Will Leonard ride it out and give this season one last push, or could we really be seeing him hang it up for good? Time will tell.

Lakers Play It Safe but Still Shine in Phoenix

The Lakers rolled into Phoenix on Thursday night with plans for a regular-season simulation, scouting reports, extended minutes, and in-game rotations. But if there’s one thing JJ Redick knows as their new coach, it’s that the NBA isn’t about perfect plans. “You don’t often get to live in an idealized world in this league,” Redick admitted.

LeBron was rested as the Lakers leaned on their depth, sliding Cam Reddish and Christie into the starting lineup for the night. Anthony Davis, likely wrapping up his preseason action, was on fire, dropping 35 points with a smooth four threes in the first quarter. But the real story was rookie Dalton Knecht, who went full microwave mode, scoring 25 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. The Lakers’ bench was fanning those flames too.

Even with a 128-122 OT win, Redick made it clear: Staying healthy trumps preseason results. With LeBron set to sit out Friday’s preseason finale, and the team focused on getting everyone healthy, it looks like the Lakers will go into the regular season with a little extra caution, but a lot of potential depth.

Sixers’ Rookie Jared McCain Home After Scary Fall

After giving Philly fans a scare with a brutal fall Wednesday night, rookie Jared McCain is home from the hospital. He’s been diagnosed with pulmonary contusions (bruised lungs), but the good news? No major injuries and the team is optimistic.

The 16th overall pick went down hard late in the Sixers’ 117-95 win over the Nets, attempting to rebound his own miss. As his body weight shifted back, McCain landed awkwardly and struggled to breathe. Coach Nick Nurse said McCain was taken to the hospital for evaluation. Though McCain’s fall looked concerning, he’s set to be re-evaluated for a concussion. For now, he’s on the road to recovery

Bucks Reunite Damian Lillard with Justise Winslow

Milwaukee is adding another familiar face for Dame Time. The Bucks are signing Justise Winslow on an Exhibit 10 deal, reuniting the versatile forward with his old Portland buddy, Damian Lillard.

At just 28, Winslow brings experience, grit, and a chip on his shoulder. After a season in the G League with Raptors 905, where he averaged 15.1 points, 7.5 boards, and solid defense, Winslow is getting another NBA shot. Standing at 6-foot-6, Winslow is the second former Lillard teammate to join Milwaukee this offseason. Looks like the Bucks are building some serious chemistry, or maybe just really love Blazers alumni.

Lynx’s Alanna Smith Battling Through Pain for Game 4

The Minnesota Lynx are facing a must-win Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, and they’ll need Alanna Smith’s grit to help keep their championship hopes alive. Smith, the Lynx’s starting forward, has been dealing with back discomfort, which worsened after a tough fall in Game 3. But despite her physical setbacks, Smith remains optimistic about suiting up for Friday's game against the New York Liberty.

This is the WNBA Finals, and she isn’t letting a few bumps slow her down.

The Lynx, down 2-1 in the best-of-five series, are relying on Smith’s presence on both ends of the floor to try and force a decisive Game 5. With Smith's toughness and support from her teammates, Minnesota hopes to extend the series and keep their championship dreams alive.

Unrivaled Shoots Its Shot at Caitlin Clark

The new 3-on-3 basketball league, Unrivaled, is going all in on recruiting 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark. With the league debuting in January, Collier hinted during a Thursday interview that Clark might be on their radar for one of the final four spots in the 30-player lineup.

Collier didn’t confirm if Clark had received a major offer, but she emphasized Clark’s influence:

Despite the full-court press, Clark is in no rush to make any decisions. She has previously mentioned taking a well-earned break this offseason, having played almost non-stop between her senior season at Iowa and her rookie season with the Indiana Fever.

Unrivaled is pushing hard to change her mind, but if Clark sticks to her current plan, fans may not see her on the court again until April.

That’s all for today, thanks for reading.

We’ll see you on Monday!

— The Players Unlimited Team