Maybe the timing of Chet Holmgren’s return to the Oklahoma City Thunder lineup, on the morning of NBA trade deadline day, was coincidental. Maybe it wasn’t.

He sustained the hip injury after taking a hard fall on a block attempt in the first quarter of a 127-116 loss to the Golden State Warriors. Holmgren anchored the Thunder’s league-leading defense at the time of his injury.

Predictions, picks and odds as the OKC Thunder hosts the Toronto Raptors on Friday. Plus, injury updates and news.

With Theis gone, the Thunder now have an open roster spot. They could use it to convert Ajay Mitchell to a standard deal. The two-way rookie has played well despite toe surgery likely knocking him out for the rest of the regular season. No need to risk exposing him to restricted free agency.

The OKC Thunder acquired Daniel Theis and a 2031 second-round pick from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for cash considerations on Wednesday.

Since the start of February, the Oklahoma City Thunder has been on a tear. A 34-point victory over the Sacramento Kings, a 29-point win over the Milwaukee Bucks