Injury Bug Bites Blazers Again

The Portland Trail Blazers, currently sitting in a tie for 6th in the Western Conference at 11-9, will be without All-World point guard Damian Lillard for tonight's game versus the East-leading Philadelphia 76ers. It's tough news for the Trail Blazers, as Dame has been on fire since CJ McCollum went down a little over two weeks ago, averaging 32.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 8.0 apg while hitting 4.4 3-pointers per game - including this dagger of a 3-ball at the buzzer versus Chicago the other night. 

Trail Blazers injury report today

Damian Lillard (abdominal strain), Derrick Jones Jr (left foot sprain), Nassir Little (left knee sprain), CJ McCollum (left midfoot fracture), Jusuf Nurkic (right wrist fracture) Zach Collins (left ankle stress fracture) are out#RipCity

— Orlando Sanchez (@orlandokgw) February 4, 2021

Unfortunately for Portland, they only have 9 players available for the matchup against the 76ers. 

Blazers will have 9 available players tonight after ruling out Damian Lillard (abdominal strain), Derrick Jones Jr. (foot sprain), Nassir Little (knee sprain), CJ McCollum (broken foot), Jusuf Nurkic (broken wrist) and Zach Collins (ankle surgery).

— Jason Quick (@jwquick) February 4, 2021

The injury started to bother Lillard prior to their game against the Wizards on February 3rd. Dame went out and racked up 32 points and 8 assists and he even considered sitting that game out. While it's unclear at the moment how long he will be out for, any lengthy injury will be detrimental to Portland's playoff chances. Lillard was able to keep them afloat while they were without McCollum, but it will be difficult to win games without both of their dynamic scoring guards. 

Photo Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports