Damian Lillard to Undergo Further Evaluation on Abdominal Injury

AP Photo/Matt York

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard will undergo further evaluation and consultation concerning his lower abdominal tendinopathy, the team announced today.

Lillard will miss Portland’s next three games against Miami (Jan. 5), Cleveland (Jan. 7) and Sacramento (Jan. 9). He will be reevaluated next week.

Further updates will be provided as appropriate. Head coach Chauncey Billups told the media yesterday that the team would have a conversation about extended rest shortly:

I asked Chauncey Billups if there's been any talk of shutting Damian Lillard down for an extended period of time since the ab injury isn't improving. He said they're going to have a meeting "soon" putting "all heads together" (presumably those two+Cronin) to talk that all through

— Sean Highkin (@highkin) January 5, 2022

In 29 games (all starts) this season, Lillard has averaged 24.0 points (40.2% FG, 32.4% 3-PT, 89.3% FT), 4.1 rebounds and 7.3 assists in 36.4 minutes per game. Among NBA leaders, he ranks 11^th in scoring, 10^th in assists and 16^th in free throw percentage