Sixers-Celtics

Recap

The past few weeks have been frustrating for Philadelphia 76ers’ swingman Matisse Thybulle. Earlier this month, Thybulle entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols alongside guard Tyrese Maxey. Consequently, Thybulle missed two consecutive games against the Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic. 

Fortunately, he cleared protocols shortly after and returned to the starting lineup vs. the San Antonio Spurs on January 7th. Recently, Thybulle had to defend a good bit of NBA talent such as Dejounte Murray, Kevin Porter Jr., Gordon Hayward, and Jayson Tatum.

The Injury

However, Matisse suffered an injury that could’ve been much worse than what it is against the Boston Celtics last Friday. Nearly midway through the third quarter, he powerfully dunked the ball in transition, which caused him to uncontrollably land on his back very hard. As a result, Thybulle didn’t get up for a few minutes, but ended up staying in the game for a few more minutes, in which he nailed a three-pointer. Afterwards, Matisse went to the locker room and was ruled out because of right shoulder soreness. Statistically, he finished with 8 points, 5 steals, 2 blocks, and shot 3-6 (50%) from the field. 

Yesterday, Thybulle was ruled out vs. the Miami Heat with right shoulder soreness well before tip-off. In addition to this, Matisse didn’t even travel with the 76ers to Miami on Friday night. Yesterday afternoon, he was once again ruled out for today’s game against the Washington Wizards due to right shoulder soreness. Later today, it was reported that Matisse underwent an MRI on his right shoulder, and he was diagnosed with a right shoulder sprain. Correspondingly, he will be re-evaluated in one week and obviously sidelined for the time being. (via Austin Krell of The Painted Lines)

What This Means for the 76ers

The absence of Matisse Thybulle will undeniably hurt the 76ers on the defensive end. Thybulle often guards the opposing teams’ best player and in today’s case that’s Bradley Beal. On top of this, swingman Danny Green is also sidelined because of right hip pain. Without question, Philadelphia is greatly lacking depth at the forward position at the moment. Due to this, we’ll most likely see guys like Charlie Brown. Jr and Isaiah Joe get more minutes in the rotation. Not to mention, guard-forward Furkan Korkmaz will get Thybulle’s starting spot for now, as he started in last night’s win vs. Miami.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR