He's back! Matisse's big time block saves Blazers

• Matisse Thybulle had a game-saving block in his first game back from injury this season
• Dyson Daniels snatched five more steals despite Atlanta's loss to Brooklyn
• Ben Simmons and Patty Mills earned bragging rights over fellow Aussie Josh Green

Matisse Thybulle has returned to the NBA in emphatic fashion, and in typical Matisse style, making a game-saving block in his first appearance of the season to help the Portland Trailblazers to a 105-102 win over the Toronto Raptors at the Moda Center.

Thybulle has missed the whole season to date with an ankle injury but played six crucial minutes as the young Trailblazers recorded their 29th win of the season under coach Chauncey Billups. Fellow Aussie Duop Reath had nine points and five rebounds for the home side.

The Raptors started strong, building an early 27-19 lead in the first quarter as Jakob Poeltl established his presence in the paint but the Trailblazers responded with a dominant second period, outscoring Toronto 33-25 to level the scores at 52-all at halftime. Portland maintained their momentum in the second half, despite Toronto winning the third quarter 30-25.

Toumani Camara was instrumental in Portland's victory, hitting a crucial three-pointer with 4:23 remaining in the fourth quarter to give the Blazers an eight-point cushion at 97-89. His final stat line of 21 points included five made three-pointers on 10 attempts, showcasing his outside shooting ability.

Anfernee Simons led all scorers with 22 points, including six three-pointers, shooting at 50% (6-from-12) from beyond the arc. Portland's backcourt of Simons and Shaedon Sharpe combined for 39 points, though Sharpe struggled from three-point range, going just 1-from-8.

The Trailblazers' defensive presence was a key factor, collecting seven blocks to Toronto's zero. Donovan Clingan anchored Portland's interior defence with three blocks while grabbing 14 rebounds (seven offensive).

With this victory, Portland improved to 29-39 overall and 17-16 at home, continuing their push to climb from 12th place in the Western Conference. Toronto fell to 24-44 (8-24 on the road), as they sit 11th in the Eastern Conference standings.

Philadelphia 76ers @ Dallas Mavericks

The troubles for the shorthanded Dallas Mavericks have continued after a 130-125 loss to the underperforming Philadelphia 76ers at the American Airlines Center.

Aussie guard Dante Exum is currently out with a broken hand.

Atlanta Hawks @ Brooklyn Nets

We shouldn't be surprised but Dyson Daniels continued to rack up the steals in the NBA, recording five more despite the Hawks losing 122-114 to the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center.

Daniels had 14 points, five rebounds and seven assists to go along with his steals.

Utah Jazz @ Minnesota Timberwolves

Joe Ingles received a DNP Coach's Decision as the Minnesota Timberwolves' red-hot form rolled on, beating the Utah Jazz 128-102 at the Target Center.

Anthony Edwards had 41 points for the Timberwolves.

Charlotte Hornets @ Los Angeles Clippers

In a battle of the Aussies, it was Ben Simmons and Patty Mills who earned bragging rights over Josh Green as the Los Angeles Clippers smashed the Charlotte Hornets 123-88 at the Intuit Dome.

Simmons had two assists and three rebounds in 15 minutes, Mills had five points, including 1-from-1 from the three-point line while Green scored eight points for the Hornets.