Doc Rivers apparently wasn’t the only one imploring Matisse Thybulle to get vaccinated.
The Philadelphia 76ers guard, who is one of the team’s top defenders, is not fully vaccinated. And with the 76ers now set to face the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the playoffs, Thybulle won’t be able to play in road games during the series.
It’s a tough blow for the Sixers, who at least have the benefit of hosting four of the series’ games – including a potential Game 7.
But for weeks, teams had been eyeing the possibility of facing the Raptors and the potential conflicts it could cause. While the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat are both fully vaccinated, the Sixers, Nets and Celtics all reportedly have unvaccinated players.
Knowing that facing Toronto was a possibility, Sixers vet Danny Green said on his podcast “Inside the Green Room” that he had given Thybulle a heads up about the potential issue a while back.
"I don’t think (facing Toronto) was something that he could predict," Green said. "When we spoke about it, because I gave him a heads up a couple months ago, or a month ago, (I said), ‘Hey Matisse, playoffs are coming up, man. If we play Toronto, we’re going to need you.’ And I think in his mind it was like there’s like a 20-percent chance that happens type of thing."
Green said that everyone on the team respects his decision, echoing the messaging that’s come from the organization. So, for now, there doesn’t appear to be a rift over the matter, even if it will adversely impact the 76ers.
Related
LISTEN NOW on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram