Bilal Coulibaly will miss multiple weeks after suffering a right oblique strain during Tuesday night’s loss by the Washington Wizards to the Philadelphia 76ers. The third-year player, who typically guards opponents’ best scorers, sustained the injury early in the third quarter and played through discomfort before exiting with 3:44 remaining in the period.
Coulibaly has already missed eight of Washington’s 20 games this season. He underwent surgery in mid-September for a torn ligament in his right thumb suffered while playing for France in EuroBasket. The 21-year-old did not make his season debut until October 30.
Coulibaly also missed four games in early November due to a left calf contusion from being kicked. His absence has contributed to Washington’s defensive struggles, as the Wizards rank 30th in the NBA in points allowed per possession.
The team is managing several other injuries to wing players. Rookie Tre Johnson has a strained left hip flexor. Corey Kispert is sidelined with a fracture in the tip of his right thumb. Starting center Alex Sarr is set to miss his third consecutive game Thursday with a right adductor strain.
Wizards officials declined to provide a specific timeline for Coulibaly’s return. The injury occurred on the opening possession of the third quarter against Philadelphia. Washington trailed 87-67 when Coulibaly checked out.
Coulibaly is averaging 8.8 points and 4.0 rebounds in 27.2 minutes per game this season. His defensive effort against Giannis Antetokounmpo on Monday helped Washington upset the Milwaukee Bucks 129-126.
Justin Champagnie, Cam Whitmore and rookie Will Riley are expected to receive additional playing time during Coulibaly’s absence. The Wizards will need increased contributions from these players to compensate for the loss of their top perimeter defender.