Sixers playoffs: 2 issues team must resolve vs. Raptors

Sixers first round issues: Thybulle’s absence

At this point, it is a well known fact that Matisse Thybulle cannot travel with the team because he does not meet Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. So, that brings to mind the concept: If every possession matters in a seven games series, just think how every game matters. So, without their best wing defender for each away game, the Sixers’ defense will suffer in Toronto and could be a determining factor. Just why should Sixers fans be nervous? Look at his statistics.

In the entire NBA this past season, Matisse Thybulle led the league in steal percentage at 3.4 per game. More than Marcus Smart. More than Robert Covington. More than Dejounte Murray. What does this even mean? It means that whenever he is on the floor, an estimate of 3.4 percent of Toronto’s possessions would likely end in a Thybulle steal. (For those interested in the formula, STL% takes into account a player’s minutes played, steals, team minutes played, and opponents’ possessions.)

With such a high steal percentage, Thybulle’s ability to commit theft will be missed on the road in one particular aspect. Going up against a running team like Toronto, not having Thybulle in potentially three games means the Sixers won’t have his quick hands to break up fast breaks. We have seen time and time again Thybulle break up a play that should have ended in a layup or dunk in transition. This does not even take into account tipped passes.

Keep in mind, Toronto averages 16.8 fast break points per game at home compared to 14.9 on the road. With Thybulle’s absence, it could mean the difference in a bucket or two, which could impact the outcome of a game. Every possession matters, remember?

Another stat that will be missed when Thybulle does not play is his blocks. In the category of block percentage (similar formula as the steal percentage), Thybulle stands at 3.8, which is 15th in the NBA, but number one among guards. Matter of fact, he is the only guard in the top 30 to have such a high block percentage. Keep in mind, Thybulle is the only guard other than Derrick White in the top 40. Realize that Thybulle is five inches shorter than anyone else in the top 35.

In a nutshell, his pesky defense and length to bother the Raptors’ offense in Toronto will have a definite impact.  Closing out on shooters, disrupting Nick Nurse’s offensive sets, and causing havoc in passing lanes will be missed.