There has been speculation that star guard Damian Lillard might play for the Portland Trail Blazers against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. However, due to an Achilles tear sustained during the Milwaukee Bucks' playoff run last year, Lillard has missed the entire NBA season so far.
Lillard's Absence Continues
Damian Lillard last played for the Portland Trail Blazers on March 22, 2023. The nine-time All-Star has not appeared in a Blazers uniform in nearly three years. Despite all the rumors, Lillard will not play in Game 3 against the Spurs. Although it currently seems unlikely that Lillard will be able to play against the Spurs, there is a possibility he could return if Portland advances deep into the playoffs.
Trade and Injury History
In September 2023, Lillard was traded by the Blazers to the Milwaukee Bucks. Before the Bucks opted to waive the 6-foot-2 point guard last year, he played for them for two seasons. This followed Lillard's season-ending Achilles injury during the 2024–2025 NBA playoffs.
Since then, Lillard has been making progress toward his comeback. It appears he may now make his eagerly anticipated return against the San Antonio Spurs. Lillard quickly signed with the Trail Blazers, rejoining the team where he began his NBA career, after the Bucks let him go during the offseason. Bringing one of the franchise's icons back home made the move special for both Lillard and the organization.
Insider Reports on Return
Lillard might actually see some action in this series, according to Blazers reporter Bill Oram of The Oregonian. According to Oram's source, Lillard is "close" to making a comeback, and his chances of doing so are "not impossible." Lillard may even play "deep, deep" in the Spurs series, according to reports. Oram wrote:
“A source said Lillard is ‘close’ and that his return before the end of the postseason is ‘not impossible.’ Any appearance would need to be in a later round or ‘deep, deep’ in the series against the Spurs. At a minimum, the team is being open-minded about the possibility.”
Coach's Update
Tiago Splitter, the head coach of Portland, also provided an update on the 35-year-old. Splitter said after practice: “He’s working out. He’s trying to get ready to play. When that’s going to be, we don’t know. All I can say is that he’s working out as he always does.”
Splitter responded, "Probably not," when asked if he believed Lillard would make a comeback during the Spurs series. Even though it remains doubtful, Portland could keep things going long enough to get the star back on the floor if they surprise everyone in the postseason. Given that Lillard has never won a championship in his career, he might seize the opportunity to help this team make a run at the NBA Finals.
