Hartenstein was solid as a scorer and rebounder, but Monday’s game was another instance in which the Thunder decided to go small in crunch time. Hartenstein was an observer from the bench, while Oklahoma City decided to use Chet Holmgren (12/6/2/1/4) as the center with Alex Caruso entering the lineup. Holmgren had a chance to extend Oklahoma City’s lead to three with 9.5 seconds remaining, but his two misses were followed by Aaron Gordon’s game-winning three. Hartenstein’s playing time will be fine, but the way he’s used in this series will be worth watching, especially when Nikola Jokic is as dominant as he was in Game 1. The Thunder host Game 2 on Wednesday.

Hartenstein and Holmgren’s continued absences mean Kenrich Williams and Jaylin Williams should remain in the starting lineup for Sunday’s regular-season finale. The latter only needed 25 minutes to record a triple-double in Friday’s win over the Jazz; keep an eye on JayWill for Sunday as well, since that’s another good matchup for him. Kenrich will have value in active deep leagues.

Oklahoma City will play Friday without the top six players in its rotation as they rest up in preparation for the playoffs. With Chet Holmgren also out, Hartenstein’s absence means more playing time for Jaylin Williams, who offers triple-double upside when allowed to start. Wallace’s continued absence will benefit Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe.

A sore left hip hastened Hartenstein’s exit from Saturday’s game, with Kenrich Williams replacing him in the lineup to begin the third quarter. With Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams also out, Kenny Hustle and Branden Carlson will play additional minutes during the second half od Saturday’s contest.