The last game that Damian Lillard played before sitting out for the next two games was against the Pelicans. He didn’t have the best of the nights, as the Milwaukee Bucks lost 100-107 to New Orleans. Much of it was because of the several injuries he sustained in the course of the game. But interestingly, none of those ended up being the reason for his name on the injury list.

Fast forward to tonight. What was expected to be an easy victory turned out to be a disastrous and embarrassing event of sorts as they lost 113-117 to the Wizards. Lucky for Washington, they managed to snap their three-game losing streak against none other than the No.2 seed of the Eastern Conference.

Doc Rivers was left with no choice other than to put on a brave face (and a stiff upper lip, maybe?) while diplomatically admitting that the 14th-seeded team in the East got the better of them. But another factor was they did not have Lillard on the floor. Many times we have seen how the 8x All-Star opens “Dame-Time” on opponents. And particularly during clutch time. He is, after all, the third-most clutch player in the league this season, right behind DeMar DeRozan and Stephen Curry.

But as mentioned above, the injury that caught him unawares was to the groin. More specifically, a right groin strain. The injury report for tonight’s Bucks vs Grizzlies game hasn’t been announced yet, and until it does, we have to assume that Damian Lillard will stay ‘Out’. The matchup will be held at the Fiserv Forum at 8:00 PM ET. It can be watched on WMLW The M, Bally Sports SE-MEM. Or streamed live on Fubo.

The fact of the matter is that Milwaukee is 1-6 without Lillard this season. Not a good look, especially considering the last time they went head-to-head on Feb. 15, 2024, the Bucks lost. History also is not on their side. In 54 regular season games, Memphis takes the lead with 28 wins as opposed to Milwaukee’s 26. 

Damian Lillard stats

Lillard’s stats this season aren’t extraordinary. But they are by no means to be belittled. He is leading the franchise in assists with 7.1 while grabbing 4.4 assists and 24.4 points per game. Now, let’s take a look at his numbers in the first 10 games. He averaged 24.6 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.3 rebounds at a time when he was still getting used to the new team. Now, his numbers in the last 10 games –  24.1 points, 9.2 assists and 4.8 rebounds. It’s clear that he has a better understanding of his teammates and the way they play.

It’s no secret that Lillard had a hard time settling into his new home. Away from family, friends, and everything he held dear for almost 12 years is definitely not easy. Add in the divorce and the custody battle, it’s a miracle he’s held on for so long. But basketball was what kept him locked in and focused. He left the comforts of Portland in his quest for a title. And he believed that Giannis Antetokounmpo was the one who could lead him to a championship.

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There is no doubt that Damian Lillard makes the team better. Hopefully, they are enough to get the man his first ring.

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