“Lillard does not plan to play this season,” reported the Associated Press, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the Portland Trail Blazers as they prepare for their Play-In game against the Phoenix Suns.
Damian Lillard has been officially listed as out for the crucial matchup due to left Achilles injury management. This announcement comes as a significant blow to the Trail Blazers, who are entering the postseason without their star player for the first time since 2021. Lillard’s absence is not just a temporary setback; he is not expected to return this postseason and remains on a longer recovery track aimed at the 2026-27 season.
The context surrounding Lillard’s injury is critical. He tore his left Achilles during the Milwaukee Bucks’ first-round series against the Indiana Pacers in late April 2025 and subsequently underwent surgery in early May. Despite the severity of the injury, Lillard participated in and won the NBA 3-Point Contest during the All-Star Weekend, showcasing his competitive spirit even while managing his injury.
Portland had anticipated Lillard would be sidelined for the entire 2025-26 campaign, even while leaving the door open to waiting “as long as it takes” on his rehab. The current rotation can do without Dame, not about a surprise late rescue, indicating that the team is adjusting to life without their leader.
The stakes are high for the Trail Blazers as they face the Suns; the winner of this game will clinch the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoff bracket. This adds pressure on the remaining players to step up in Lillard’s absence. Jerami Grant, who averaged 18.6 points per game during the regular season and shot 39% from beyond the arc, will be crucial in filling the scoring void left by Lillard.
As the team prepares for this pivotal game, the uncertainty surrounding Lillard’s recovery timeline looms large. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential return for Lillard in the postseason, which leaves fans and analysts speculating about the future of the franchise.
With the postseason underway and Lillard’s future still uncertain, the Trail Blazers face a challenging path ahead. The focus now shifts to how the team can adapt and perform without their star player, as they aim to make a deep playoff run despite the odds stacked against them.