76ers’ Matisse Thybulle ‘ineligible to play’ vs. Raptors

76ers head coach Doc Rivers isn't really talking about Canada's vaccination rules, and whether it affects his team, and when asked whether it will change if he has to face the Raptors in the playoffs, says, "we'll handle it when it comes."

Philadelphia 76ers guard Matisse Thybulle has been listed as “ineligible to play” as they visit the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.

Thybulle is averaging 5.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game in 64 games for Philadelphia this season and is a key defender for the team.

The news comes after the 76ers, along with the Boston Celtics, did not confirm that their entire roster is vaccinated as the game is Philadelphia’s first since Canada required all visitors to be vaccinated.

Though Thybulle’s vaccination status is unclear, the rule will remain in place regardless for any team who visits Toronto.

 

Editor’s Note: The COVID-19 situation, in sports and around the world, is constantly evolving. Readers in Canada can consult the country’s public health website for the latest.

 

Philadelphia and Toronto are also looking like the likely matchup for the fourth and fifth seeds of the Eastern Conference in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

The Raptors have listed both OG Anunoby and Yuta Watanabe as “questionable” and will be game-time decisions before taking on the fourth-place 76ers.

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