The Trail Blazers' dwindling playoff hopes have forced the front office's hand in regard to injured superstar Damian Lillard.
Portland has struggled to stay in the Play-In Tournament mix in the Western Conference, sitting 5.0 games back from the No. 10 seed.
With the Blazers nearing elimination and Lillard has been nursing a calf injury. Will we see the seven-time All-Star take the floor again? The Sporting News has you covered with the latest updates on Lillard's status.
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What is Damian Lillard's injury?
Lillard has been dealing with a nagging calf injury all season. The ailment cost the star guard 12 games back in November and December, and he has popped up on the injury report again late in the year.
How long will Damian Lillard be out?
On Tuesday, March 28, Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes reported that Lillard will be held out for the remainder of the season with the Trail Blazers out of the playoff picture.
With injury-plagued Portland Trail Blazers out of the playoff picture, superstar guard Damian Lillard will be held out the remainder of the season, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 28, 2023
Lillard has had one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 32.2 points, 7.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game, but the Trail Blazers weren't able to support their franchise player.
Damian Lillard contract
Lillard signed a two-year, $122 million extension with the Trail Blazers this offseason. He is now under contract through the 2025-26 season with a player option for the 2026-27 season, when he will be 36 years old.
Trail Blazers schedule 2022-23
Here are the remaining games on Portland's schedule for the 2022-23 season.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
| March 29 | vs. Kings | 10 p.m. |
| March 31 | vs. Kings | 10 p.m. |
| April 2 | at Timberwolves | 3:30 p.m. |
| April 4 | at Grizzlies | 8 p.m. |
| April 6 | at Spurs | 8 p.m. |
| April 8 | at Clippers | 4 p.m. |
| April 9 | vs. Warriors | 3:30 p.m. |
Damian Lillard career stats, highlights
- 25.2 points per game
- 4.2 rebounds per game
- 6.7 assists per game
- 1.0 steals per game
- 0.3 blocks per game
- 2.8 turnovers per game
- 36.3 minutes per game
- 43.9 percent field goal shooting
- 37.2 percent 3-point shooting
- 89.5 percent free throw shooting
