Blazers' Forward Suffers Significant New Injury, Out For Extended Amount of Time

Matt Levine

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The Portland Trail Blazers have started the new NBA season out with a record of 7-11. They have looked a little more competitive than they did last year and it's made them a fun watch.

Portland has a strong young core that they are trying to develop, making this season all about the growth of the players. They've been trying to figure out who will be on the roster long-term and who will be traded away at some point.

The team may be more competitive but they also are still learning how to close games out. They have a few veteran players but have been without one key forward to start the season.

The Trail Blazers have been without forward Matisse Thybulle and the veteran will now be out even longer. He suffered an ankle sprain while trying to get back onto the court and now will be out for three to six weeks.

Thybulle underwent an MRI that revealed a grade 2 sprain in his ankle. This is a significant blow to the Trail Blazers as they were hoping to get him back into the lineup sooner rather than later.

Last season, Thybulle averaged 5.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. He has established himself as a strong defensive 3-point shooting forward and could bring an extra boost to the Trail Blazers' game plan.

Portland could end up trading Thybulle before the trade deadline if he can return and perform well. He is one of the few veterans that the Trail Blazers will look to move for additional future assets.

The Trail Blazers are also without rookie center Donovan Clingan as he suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain. The rookie will be evaluated in two weeks but this is a significant loss for Portland.

More Trail Blazers: Blazers' Donovan Clingan to Miss Extended Time With MCL Injury

The Trail Blazers aren't likely to contend for the postseason but they could at least show some growth. The team is looking to build themselves back up to a place of contention and they believe that they can fully grow into a strong team.

These injuries will be a hit to their chances but Portland will give others playing time until they come back. The Trail Blazers take on the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday with another chance to improve their overall record.

More Trail Blazers: Trail Blazers' Anfernee Simons Labeled as Trade Target For Multiple NBA Teams

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Matt Levine
MATT LEVINE

Matt earned a Master of Science degree in Sport Management from Louisiana State University in 2021. He was born and raised in the Los Angeles area, covering all Southern California sports in his career.

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