Matisse

Thybulle

Thybulle was listed as probable and has now officially been cleared to suit up. He has played a reserve role recently, which has led to plenty of defensive production over the past couple of weeks.

Thybulle sprained his right ankle during the first half of Friday’s win over the Clippers but returned after halftime. The probable tag suggests that he’ll be cleared to play in a game that the Trail Blazers need to win to secure the No. 8 seed in the West. A loss combined with a Clippers win over the Warriors would drop Portland to the No. 9 seed.

Thybulle tweaked something in his right foot before limping to the locker room in the first half. The Trail Blazers called him questionable to return at halftime, but now Thybulle is available to return. The 29-year-old small forward had three steals and two blocks in nine first half minutes.

Thybulle was everywhere on defense with three steals and two blocks in nine minutes off the bench in the first half, but tweaked something in his right foot and came up limping. At halftime, he was deemed questionable to return by the Trail Blazers. His absence doesn’t significantly impact Portland’s rotation.

Injuries took Thybulle off the board for most fantasy managers even before this season began. But Thursday showed what he’s capable of when allowed to take on a more prominent role. With the Pelicans going small for significant stretches, Thybulle played 31 minutes while starting center Donovan Clingan (4/9/2/1) played 22 due to foul trouble. A disappointing end to Week 23 for Clingan was a positive one for Thybulle, who finished a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line.

Grant and Krejčí will remain out for another game, with the former’s absence likely resulting in another spot start for Sidy Cissoko. However, Cissoko played 19 minutes in Sunday’s loss to the Nuggets, with Matisse Thybulle playing 25 off the bench.

Thybulle is will take the floor for the first time since October 29 when he exited Portland’s win over Utah with a thumb injury. Nearly four months later, the veteran forward will make his fifth appearance of the season. He’ll return to a crowded Trail Blazers rotation on Friday without a clear role, which should not impact fantasy basketball.

Due to thumb and knee injuries, Thybulle has not been available for a game since October 29. However, the veteran wing could be available for Friday’s game against the Nuggets after fully participating in Thursday’s practice. While fantasy managers should not expect much from Thybulle, his defensive ability could make him worth a look in deep category leagues once he’s playing without any restrictions.

It appears all three Trail Blazers are still a ways away from returning to the floor. Scoot has yet to suit up this season, while Holiday has been out almost a month and Thybulle hasn’t played since October. Portland has made it work without Scoot and Jrue by starting Sidy Cissoko and putting the ball in Deni Avdija’s hands, though the return of either would help this rotation tremendously.

Thybulle has able to do some shooting and ball handling work, but it appears that he isn’t that close to a return. He was set to be re-evaluated in four-to-six weeks after injuring his thumb in the season opener, but even when he returns, he won’t make a significant impact on the rotation.