DECEMBER 4: As expected, Lillard is playing against Indiana tonight, Haynes tweets.
NOVEMBER 29: Trail Blazers perennial All-Star Damian Lillard is targeting a Sunday return from a leg injury, Chris Haynes reported during TNT’s Tuesday broadcast of the Clippers-Blazers game (video link). Portland begins a four-game homestand against the Pacers that night.
Lillard was diagnosed on Nov. 20 with a Grade 1 strain to the soleus muscle in the right lower leg. He was injured the previous night against Utah.
Lillard, who is averaging 26.3 points and 7.0 assists per game this season, also missed four contests earlier this season due to a calf strain. He sat out a majority of last season due to a core muscle issue.
Thus far during Lillard’s latest absence, the Blazers have lost to Milwaukee, Cleveland and Brooklyn and defeated New York in overtime. All those contests were on the road.
Following the Clippers’ matchup, Portland head out on the road again to play the Lakers on Wednesday and Utah on Saturday.
Blazers are looking pretty good, just need to keep super max in the lineup
Lillard!!!
I’m rooting for Damian Lillard. He’s somebody that plays at a high level and doing it his way. I don’t see this team ceiling being no higher than a tough second round exit. They got nice pieces but not enough stomp down defensive players. I like the team they put together it’s just good but not great. Damian Lillard is great but it’s not another great player on the roster with him.
When Payton II returns, and now that Little’s development time isn’t a consideration for 6 weeks, I’d bet we will get to see just how defensive minded this Blazer squad can be. That outing against the Lakers was injury laden, but very poor defensively. Davis destroyed the Blazers interior defense. Davis has been destroying everyone’s interior defense as of late though.
I hope Damian Lillard can stay healthy. Before last season he’s been one of our most durable players in the league. He’s definitely our most clutch player in the league. I want to see that back in the playoffs. Dame Time!!!