During a Wednesday game against Utah in Salt Lake City, Thybulle exited early in the second quarter after injuring his left hand.

The Trail Blazers announced a four- to six-week re-exam period for Thybulle, with an expected at least one month of absence.

Thybulle underwent left thumb surgery after sustaining the injury in the first quarter of the Utah game.

Last season, he missed much of the year due to knee and ankle issues but finished strong defensively, recording 33 steals and nine blocks in the final 15 games.

Despite previous injuries, he contributed defensively down the stretch, tallying 33 steals and nine blocks in the final 15 games.

The Trail Blazers played the Denver Nuggets on Friday night following the surgery.

Thybulle, 28, is entering his seventh NBA season and had been averaging five points and one rebound per game before the injury.

Prior to the injury, Thybulle played three points in five minutes in Portland's 136-134 overtime win over Utah and was averaging 5.0 points, 1.0 rebound, 0.8 assists, and 2.5 steals over four games this season as a bench player.

An MRI confirmed a left thumb ulnar collateral ligament tear, prompting surgery performed on Friday in Los Angeles.