The Portland Trail Blazers have evened their first-round NBA playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs at 1-1 after Tuesday's Game 2. With Spurs star Victor Wembanyama sidelined by a concussion, reports suggest the Trail Blazers are considering a postseason return for franchise star Damian Lillard. Lillard has not played this season after tearing his Achilles tendon in last year's playoffs.
The Trail Blazers tied the series on Tuesday, sparking talk of their first playoff series win since 2019. Damian Lillard, who rejoined the team in free agency last summer after 11 seasons in Portland, suffered the Achilles injury while with the Milwaukee Bucks nearly a year ago. He has yet to appear this season, but excitement is building amid the team's unexpected success against the Spurs. The Oregonian reported Thursday that the organization remains open-minded about Lillard suiting up in the postseason, particularly in later rounds or deep into this series. A source told the outlet, 'I wouldn't rule anything out, or get too excited about anything.' The source added that Lillard is 'close' and a return before the playoffs end is 'not impossible.' Trail Blazers social media accounts fueled speculation ahead of Game 2 with a video of Lillard shooting accompanied by eyeballs emojis. Coach Tiago Splitter addressed Lillard's status after Thursday practice, saying he would 'probably not' play against the Spurs. 'He's working out,' Splitter said. 'He's trying to get ready to play. ... He's the first one to get to the practice facility every day at 7 a.m., shooting a thousand shots, drills, that's who Dame is.' Lillard himself said in September, 'I don't plan on it,' regarding a return this season.
