Trail Blazers wing Matisse Thybulle suffered a right ankle sprain while ramping up in an effort to return to the court. He’s now expected to miss an additional three-to-six weeks, the team announced in a press release.
Thybulle underwent an MRI which confirmed a Grade 2 sprain of the ankle. He has yet to make his season debut due to a right knee injury that cropped up during training camp.
Thybulle, who was acquired by the Blazers in a trade at the 2023 deadline, appeared in 65 games in his first full season in Portland in 2023/24, making 19 starts and averaging 22.9 minutes per night. He holds an $11.55MM option on his contract for next season.
Rookie center Donovan Clingan received additional imaging on the left knee which revealed a Grade 2 MCL sprain. Clingan will be reevaluated in two weeks, according to the Blazers.
The lottery pick has appeared in 17 games, including six starts, averaging 5.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.2 blocks. He was injured during the Blazers’ game against Houston on Saturday.
Additionally, veteran center Robert Williams has been placed in the NBA’s concussion protocol. Williams left Monday night’s game at Memphis and did not return for the second half. Williams has appeared in seven games since rehabbing from knee surgery.
Johnny 5 saying Uuuuhhh oooohhh
Damn it. Clingan is so fun to watch. Hope he gets healthy.
Blazers now return to “TANK mode” who will be the highest bidders for Grant, Simons, Ayton, Thybulle and RWIII? Sharpe, Scoot and Cling-Kong are the future of PDX’s Rip City uprising!
Agree on Sharpe, Scoot, and Clingan (although they’re 3 years away as a core).
Problem with Simons, Ayton, Grant, Thybulle and RWIII is that all 5 are negative contracts. PDX has to package some better contracts with those guys to get rid of them.