“We wanna be the last team standing,” said Damian Lillard prior to the Milwaukee Bucks playing the semi-final game of the NBA Cup Series. For the 34-year-old point guard, the series that ran parallel to the NBA regular season was more than just an opportunity to win some extra money. For him, it was the chance to do something “outside of the norm” and “win something” memorable. It was probably this mindset that allowed the player to contribute at a level that has now placed his team in the NBA Cup Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder! However, given Lillard’s recent injury troubles, there was some doubt about whether he would be present to see through his ambition. Fortunately, his recent update may provide fans with some relief.

Earlier today, NBA Insider Brett Siegel highlighted the Bucks point guard’s recent statements. The team sought an update on Damian Lillard’s condition, especially amidst reports that he had sat out of the team’s recent practice session due to his calf injury.

Upon addressing the same, Lillard stated, “It was just some discomfort… I have been doing treatment to get ahead of tomorrow.” Looking to not play around with doubts about his availability status, the player outright stated, “I know I’m playing.”

Siegel followed Lillard’s remarks with an official Injury Report update. He revealed that the 8x NBA All-Star has been listed under the ‘Probable’ status. The report also contains the names of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Liam Robbins.

The other two starters, fortunately, are listed as ‘Probable’. Although Robbins is ‘Questionable’, his positioning on the starting lineup means that the Bucks may not be that affected by his absence.

The calf ailment is not the first injury that Damian Lillard has sustained this season. He was earlier sidelined for 3 games after recovering from a concussion protocol. Fortunately, the player did not miss any of the NBA Cup action. By appearing against the OKC, Dame will have created a consistent record with his appearances.

Meanwhile, Giannis wasn’t injury-free throughout the ongoing season. He sustained a right patellar tendinopathy at one point, recovered, and then developed a case of stomach illness. Now, on the report due to a knee injury, the player’s condition is well enough to have him be placed under the ‘Probable’ status.

Khris Middleton only made his season debut recently. To date, he has made appearances in only 4 games. With his illness not downgrading his availability status any further, one can expect the player to be a big assist to Antetokounmpo and Lillard during the upcoming game against OKC.

Speaking of the Oklahoma City Thunder, their injury troubles are far worse than the Bucks. After all, the team has not 1, but 6 players listed on its report. Chet Holmgren’s trouble with his right iliac hip fracture continues to keep him ‘OUT’ of the main lineup. He holds the status currently with Nikola Topic, Ousmane Dieng, Adam Flagler, Jaylin Williams, and Alex Duglas. This gives the Bucks a major advantage going into the game.

Damian Lillard’s availability would be cheery on top of the Fluffy Belgian Waffle! After all, if the past has shown anything, it is that Lillard’s presence is essential for the Bucks’ winning odds.

Why is Damian Lillard’s presence important during the NBA Cup Finals game?

During the Quarter-Finals and Semi-Finals matchups of the NBA Cup, Lillard made 28 and 25 points, respectively. Furthermore, according to reports, the point guard’s presence on the perimeter has complimented the ‘Greek Freak’ wonderfully. The two-man game between Antetokounmpo and Lillard has unlocked the NBA Cup success so far. After all, Lillard’s perimeter-centric game opens up space for Giannis, allowing him to attack the paint.

Currently, Damian Lillard holds a 4-6 record against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite not leading the win stat, the player has given his best in the matchups. After all, he averaged 25.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 7.2 assists. Therefore, having performed at this level during regular season games, Lillard will surely bring his A-Game during the NBA Cup Finals.

Damian Lillard or the OKC squad? Who will you be rooting for during the upcoming game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.