Thybulle ineligible for Games 3 and 4 vs. Raptors in Toronto

Matisse Thybulle will remain ineligible to play when the Philadelphia 76ers visit the Toronto Raptors for Games 3 and 4 of the teams' first-round series, head coach Doc Rivers told reporters Sunday, including PhillyVoice.com's Kyle Neubeck.

Thybulle missed the 76ers' game against the Raptors in Toronto on April 7 after being deemed ineligible to participate. The meeting marked Philadelphia's first game across the border since Canada mandated that all visitors to the country must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Thybulle appeared to confirm he received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine but then opted against getting further doses. To be considered fully vaccinated, an individual has to take at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

"This was a decision I made a long time ago ... I was raised in a holistic household, anti-vax is not a term that was ever used … we grew up with Chinese medicine and naturopathic doctors," Thybulle said, according to Neubeck.

Thybulle added, "I didn't see any benefits outweighing what I could seek from alternative medicine."

After Games 3 and 4, the series could return to Toronto once again for a potential Game 6. Philadelphia may feel the impact of playing without its top perimeter defender for three games of the series.

Thybulle is averaging 5.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 65 games for the 76ers this season.

Philadelphia (51-31) wrapped up its campaign with a 118-106 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. Toronto (48-34) fell 105-94 to New York in its regular-season finale.