The Portland Trail Blazers are facing a tough break-literally. Three key players are now sidelined, throwing the team’s plans into disarray as they try to battle through an injury-plagued early season.
Thybulle’s Return Thwarted Again: “Three to Six More Weeks of Waiting”
Matisse Thybulle’s comeback just hit another roadblock. The Trail Blazers’ defensive ace suffered a Grade 2 right ankle sprain while ramping up for his season debut, the team revealed in a press release. Thybulle, who was initially held back by a right knee injury during training camp, is now expected to miss an additional 3-to-6 weeks. The MRI results confirmed the sprain, adding another chapter of frustration for Thybulle and the Blazers faithful.
Portland brought Thybulle in at the 2023 trade deadline, and he immediately added defensive versatility to the lineup. In his first full season, Thybulle appeared in 65 games, with 19 starts, averaging 22.9 minutes per game. The Blazers are clearly eager to get him back, as his $11.55 million option for next season still looms. But for now, Thybulle remains stuck on the sidelines, adding pressure to an already depleted roster.
Rookie Clingan Sidelined: “The Kid Can’t Catch a Break”
The hits keep coming for the Blazers. Lottery pick Donovan Clingan-who has been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging start to the season-has now been diagnosed with a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee. Clingan underwent additional imaging after getting hurt during Saturday’s game against Houston, which confirmed the severity of the injury. The 7-foot-2 rookie will be reevaluated in two weeks.
Clingan had shown flashes of serious potential, featuring in 17 games, including six starts, and averaging 5.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and an impressive 2.2 blocks per game. The Blazers are hoping this injury won’t derail his promising rookie season, but for now, the young big man will have to put his burgeoning NBA career on pause.
Williams III Entering Concussion Protocol: “No Rest for the Weary”
To make matters worse, veteran center Robert Williams III has been placed in the NBA’s concussion protocol. Williams left Monday night’s clash against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half and didn’t return. It’s yet another blow for the injury-battered Blazers, as Williams was just starting to get his rhythm back after rehabbing from knee surgery. Williams had managed to appear in seven games since his return, and his absence now only adds another hurdle for Portland to overcome.
“Next Man Up” Mentality Faces Its Biggest Test Yet
Portland’s depth is being put to the ultimate test with these injuries. With Thybulle yet to suit up this season, Clingan now sidelined, and Williams in concussion protocol, the Blazers will need everyone else to step up in a big way if they hope to keep their playoff aspirations alive. The mantra is clear: “Next man up,” but as the challenges pile up, the path forward has become anything but simple.
For now, the Blazers will need their remaining stars to shine even brighter. The opportunity is there for players like Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons to carry the torch, but the big question remains-how much longer can Portland hold the line under the weight of all these injuries?