It’s an emotional time for Enes Kanter. His former Utah teammate, Gordon Hayward, suffered one of the most gruesome on-court injuries in recent years Tuesday, after which the Knicks center tweeted his prayers.

And his former Thunder teammates are ready to do battle Thursday in the Knicks’ season opener at Chesapeake Arena, where Kanter toiled for 2 ½ seasons.

“Of course it’s going to be a little awkward and I’ll be nervous at the beginning,’’ Kanter said. “When the game starts I’ll feel way better. It’s going to be very emotional. I had an amazing time with those guys. I think it will be cheers. We’ll see.”

His Oklahoma City stint ended two days before training camp when he was part of the Carmelo Anthony blockbuster. He was the backup center to rugged Steven Adams, but now he has appeared to have beaten out Willy Hernangomez and is expected to start at center. Hornacek likes his chemistry with Kristaps Porzingis. The other pawn in the deal, Doug McDermott, will be the club’s sixth-man sniper.

“I texted him,’’ Kanter said regarding Adams. “He helped me. I helped him. It’s a really good matchup.’’

Now the 25-year-old Turkish big man has a new mentor in Knicks center Joakim Noah, who is suspended for the first 12 games but is attempting to help other ways. Kanter is a gifted offensive player (he averaged 14.3 points as a reserve last season) and is lethal on the offensive boards. But he’s never been a rim protector or stout defender.

“[Noah] actually told me a week ago, I want you to get to the next level,’’ Kanter said. “He’s been helping me defensively. On the court, off the court, he’s really trying to help me and he’s one of the most respected guys in the NBA.’’

Kanter started his career in Utah, playing 3½ seasons. He was a teammate of Hayward, who bolted Utah in July for a better chance at a title, only to last six minutes before dislocating his ankle and breaking his tibia. Kanter became emotional talking about Hayward.

“He’s going to come back stronger,’’ said Kanter, who plans to visit a Turkish cultural center Wednesday night in Oklahoma City instead of hanging with past mates. “He’s really tough mentally — an amazing guy, always laughing, smiling having fun, loves what he’s doing. Good locker-room guy. I feel terrible. I can’t say anything other than I just pray for him.”

Hornacek was a shooting coach/assistant for two years with the Jazz when Hayward was there. He revealed he called Hayward during free agency on a lark.

“I tried to talk to talk to him a couple of times, what was in his mind, if he had any interest in New York,’’ Hornacek said.