Matisse

Thybulle

Entering Wednesday, Thybulle was shooting 42.1 percent from three. His 4-of-5 night against the Clippers will increase that percentage, and fantasy managers can also benefit from the defensive stats. Given his play so far and the starting role, Thybulle should be rostered in deeper fantasy leagues.

After injuries made him an afterthought in fantasy basketball in recent seasons, Thybulle may be approaching the point where he needs to be rostered in some 12-team leagues. He’s scored in double figures in two straight games, shooting a combined 6-of-13 from three in wins over the Clippers and Jazz. Thybulle still isn’t a must-add, but he may be worth a look going into the Lakers’ four-game Week 2.

Could Thybulle return to relevance in fantasy basketball with the Lakers? His defense earned the veteran wing a starting spot, and he played well on both ends of the floor in Friday’s win. In addition to his three defensive contributions, Thybulle shot 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. He’s a career 34.9 percent shooter from deep, so managers shouldn’t expect high-level production there. However, the starting role makes Thybulle someone to watch, especially in deep leagues.

Dončić, Reaves and Kessler starting was expected since the summer, but there were questions as to who would complete the starting five. With Thybulle and Williams starting, defense has been prioritized, and both are worth watching in deeper fantasy leagues.

The rookie’s debut will have to wait a little longer. With Carr and Adou Thiero (knee) unavailable, Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams will be the primary wings available off the bench.

Knee issues continue to plague Thiero despite making some starts during the preseason. He won’t be available for the season opener, which should mean more minutes for Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle on the wing.

Thybulle brings much-needed depth to the new-look Lakers, and the three-and-D specialist should see meaningful minutes for LA. Over the last two seasons, he’s averaged 2.1 steals and shot 41.1% from beyond the arc.

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.