Quick Read
- The NBA is investigating the Oklahoma City Thunder for player absences.
- The inquiry focuses on a nationally televised game against the San Antonio Spurs on February 4, 2026.
- Center Isaiah Hartenstein was among ten players sidelined, reportedly due to a right eye corneal abrasion.
- The Thunder had only eight players available for the game.
- The investigation was first reported by The Athletic and confirmed by The Oklahoman.
OKLAHOMA CITY (Azat TV) – The National Basketball Association (NBA) has launched an investigation into the Oklahoma City Thunder regarding the extensive player absences during their nationally televised game against the San Antonio Spurs on February 4. Among the ten players sidelined for that game was center Isaiah Hartenstein, who was reported to be out due to a right eye corneal abrasion.
The inquiry, first reported by The Athletic and subsequently confirmed by The Oklahoman on Monday, February 9, 2026, focuses on the circumstances surrounding the Thunder’s significantly depleted roster. The team managed to field only eight players for the game, which they ultimately lost 116-106. This limited lineup consisted of five players on standard contracts and three two-way contract players.
Isaiah Hartenstein Among Key Absences
Isaiah Hartenstein’s absence, attributed to a right eye corneal abrasion, is one of several high-profile injuries that led to the NBA’s heightened scrutiny. Hartenstein, a crucial component of the Thunder’s frontcourt, was unavailable alongside other key starters and rotation players. While the specific timeline for his return was not immediately clear, a corneal abrasion can be a painful and temporarily vision-impairing injury, requiring careful management.
Other prominent players who missed the February 4 contest included reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain), emerging star Chet Holmgren (low back spasms), defensive stalwart Lu Dort (right patellofemoral joint inflammation), and veteran guard Alex Caruso (right adductor injury management). Caruso had reportedly missed six consecutive games due to his adductor strain, returning for one game against Orlando before being rested for the second night of a back-to-back against San Antonio.
Thunder’s Depleted Roster Draws NBA Attention
The sheer volume of absences has triggered the NBA’s investigation, which typically examines whether teams adhere to league policies regarding player health and injury reporting, especially for high-profile games. The league aims to ensure transparency and prevent practices that might compromise the competitive integrity of games or fan experience, particularly for nationally broadcast matchups.
Beyond Hartenstein and the aforementioned starters, the Thunder’s injury list also included Ousmane Dieng, who was traded to Charlotte prior to the game, Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain), Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain), Thomas Sorber (right ACL surgical recovery), and Nikola Topić (surgical recovery). Chet Holmgren’s low back spasms have been a recurring issue throughout the current season, and Gilgeous-Alexander, Mitchell, Sorber, and Williams have also continued to miss significant time due to their respective ailments.
Impact of the NBA Investigation
While the NBA has not publicly detailed the specific parameters of its investigation, such inquiries often involve reviewing team medical records, communication logs, and player availability protocols. The outcome could range from a warning to potential fines or other disciplinary actions, depending on the findings. For the Thunder, the investigation casts a shadow over a season already marked by significant injury challenges, forcing their coaching staff to rely heavily on a short-handed roster.
The investigation into the Thunder’s extensive injury list, including Isaiah Hartenstein’s absence, underscores the NBA’s commitment to maintaining competitive balance and ensuring teams provide adequate transparency regarding player health, particularly during marquee matchups.