“Lillard does not plan to play this season,” reported the Associated Press, underscoring 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 marks a significant moment for the Trail Blazers, who are entering the postseason without their star player for the first time since 2021. The absence of Lillard, who underwent surgery for a torn left Achilles in early May 2025, has forced the team to adapt their strategy as they aim for a playoff spot.
Following his injury during Milwaukee’s first-round series against Indiana in late April 2025, Lillard’s recovery timeline has been a focal point for the organization. Reports from October indicated that Lillard did not plan to play this season, and as the playoffs approach, it appears that the Trail Blazers are prepared for a postseason run without him. “Portland expected him to be sidelined for the 2025-26 campaign, even while leaving the door technically open to waiting ‘as long as it takes’ on his rehab,” noted ESPN.
As the Trail Blazers face the Suns, the stakes are high; the winner of this game will clinch the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoff bracket. The team has had to rely on other players to step up in Lillard’s absence. Notably, Jerami Grant has been a key contributor, averaging 18.6 points per game during the regular season, despite missing seven games due to injury.
While Lillard’s presence will be missed, the current rotation has shown resilience. “The current rotation can do without Dame, not about a surprise late rescue,” a source indicated, suggesting that the team is focused on making the most of the situation at hand.
Looking ahead, the safer expectation is that Lillard’s real comeback target remains the 2026-27 season, not this postseason run. The Trail Blazers are navigating a challenging landscape as they adapt to life without their star player, and details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential return for Lillard in the current postseason.
As the game against the Suns approaches, the Trail Blazers will need to harness their collective strength to secure a playoff berth, all while keeping Lillard’s long-term health in mind. The organization is committed to ensuring that their star player returns to full strength before making any decisions about his future on the court.
