The Portland Trailblazers announced ahead of tonight’s game against the Chicago Bulls that Damian Lillard won’t play. But why was it left out right before the game started? Are there any brewing issues in Portland?
This year, Damian Lillard has excelled. At a staggering 32.5 points per game, he is scoring at a career-best rate. In addition, he averages 7.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game.
Dame’s season has mostly gone underappreciated in a season that is full of MVP contenders and players who are lifting their clubs. Even though the Blazers are probably going to miss the playoffs, Dame is still playing great basketball. He remains the Blazers’ shining star. But today he will be left out.
Damian Lillard Is a Last-Minute Omission Ahead of The Game vs The Chicago Bulls
According to the most recent injury reports, Damian Lillard has recently moved from Questionable to OUT. He will reportedly miss tonight’s game due to a right calf strain.
Portland Trail Blazers say Damian Lillard and Jusuf Nurkic are out tonight against the Chicago Bulls.
Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 25, 2023
Jusef Nurkic has also been promoted to out for the Blazers in addition to Dame Dolla. The Portland team has a wide range of wounds. Jeremi Grant and Anfernee Simons are both noted as being scratched from the lineup.
The likelihood is high that Portland is giving up on this call. They have basically no chance of qualifying for the play-in competition. They are three games away from securing the 12th seed, and it is now far too late.
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Is This a Sign of Things Coming to A Close in Portland? a Possible Shutdown?
That may be the first of many dominoes to fall, but the Blazers appear to be done for the year. In the Western Conference standings for the play-in tournament, they are down by three games. They are unlikely to ascend such a slope.
Damian Lillard says he’s not interested in rebuilding
“That's not what I'm interested in. That's what the frustrating part of it is. Talking about what's gonna happen next season. And us 'building'. That's not what I'm here to do especially at this stage pic.twitter.com/tVUNXcxMl5…
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) March 21, 2023
Damian Lillard appears to be suspended by the Trailblazers for the remainder of the campaign. Or it’s at least a beginning. The star point guard has made it clear that he won’t be a part of any reconstruction, and as the summer season draws near, he might even leave. For optimal trade value, Portland would want Lillard to be as healthy as possible.
