Thunder return from break, face Jazz to begin playoff push

After a week off, the Oklahoma City Thunder return to action on Friday night, kicking off the final stretch of the regular season in Utah. The Thunder will look to maintain momentum as they push toward the playoffs.

At practice Friday morning at the Delta Center, Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was seen working out in his new Converse signature shoe, set to be released to the public this fall. Meanwhile, Isaiah Hartenstein, who spent the All-Star break at home in Oklahoma, reflected on his time away from basketball. With a young child at home, he said he gained a deeper appreciation for the responsibilities his wife manages daily.

As the team prepares to take the court, Hartenstein acknowledged the challenge of returning to game action after the break.

“It depends,” he said. “Mentally, you just have to get back into it, get your body going again. But for us, it’s just like any other game. We’re coming in, trying to get the best out of it and work on our stuff.”

Friday’s game could also see a family matchup, as Jalen Williams’ younger brother, Cody, is expected to be available for Utah. A rookie out of Colorado, Cody Williams missed the first two games against Oklahoma City this season but could face his older brother for the first time in an NBA game.

The Thunder tip off against the Jazz at 8:30 p.m. CT before heading to Minnesota for a back-to-back series against the Timberwolves on Sunday and Monday.