Thunder Eager for Another Big Effort from Isaiah Hartenstein vs. Magic

Oklahoma City looks to continue its eight-game winning streak against Orlando on the road.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:49pm

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During the Oklahoma City Thunder's current eight-game winning streak, Isaiah Hartenstein has played in just half of the games. However, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said Hartenstein is a key to unlocking the team's full offensive potential, as evidenced by his recent triple-double performance against the Magic. The Magic are coming off a loss to the Hawks, ending their own seven-game winning streak, and will face the team with the league's top defensive rating for the season.

Why it matters

Hartenstein's screen-setting and high basketball IQ have been crucial in helping the Thunder's offense thrive, particularly in getting open looks for his teammates. The Thunder and Magic have already faced off once this season, with Hartenstein recording a triple-double in Oklahoma City's 128-92 win.

The details

In the Thunder's Sunday win over the Timberwolves, Hartenstein returned from a left calf injury and was held scoreless but produced 12 rebounds and three assists, consistently creating looks for his teammates with his screen-setting. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised Hartenstein's intellect and awareness in adapting his play to different teammates. The Magic have also seen their offense improve since the All-Star break, with coach Jamahl Mosley crediting the team's ability to settle into more predictable rotations.

  • On Feb. 3, Hartenstein recorded his first career triple-double against the Magic.
  • The Thunder and Magic will face off again on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

The players

Isaiah Hartenstein

A 7-foot center for the Oklahoma City Thunder who has played a key role in the team's recent winning streak with his screen-setting and high basketball IQ.

Mark Daigneault

The head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who has praised Hartenstein's intellect and awareness in adapting his play to different teammates.

Jamahl Mosley

The head coach of the Orlando Magic, who has credited his team's improved offense since the All-Star break to the ability to settle into more predictable rotations.

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What they’re saying

“I think a lot of it is his experience with all these different teams and players he's played with. He's really turned screen-setting into an art, and the thing that's great about him is he has great awareness of who he's setting a screen for.”

— Mark Daigneault, Head Coach, Oklahoma City Thunder (statenews.net)

“I think guys get a little comfortable knowing where they're going to come into the game, go out of the game. ... It's different when you have minutes restrictions, guys bumping in, trying to get guys rhythm. Now that's kind of passed a little bit, guys know exactly what they're expected to do when they step on the floor.”

— Jamahl Mosley, Head Coach, Orlando Magic (statenews.net)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Hartenstein's screen-setting and high basketball IQ have been crucial in helping the Thunder's offense thrive, particularly in getting open looks for his teammates. The Thunder and Magic have already faced off once this season, with Hartenstein recording a triple-double in Oklahoma City's 128-92 win, and the teams will meet again on Tuesday.