Damian Lillard: Won’t Be Able To Play In All-Star Game Due To Injury
Feb 12, 2020, 9:01 PM | Updated: 11:52 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – NBA All-Star and Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard suffered a right groin strain and said he won’t participate in the NBA All-Star Game or three-point competition.
Lillard suffered the injury during Portland’s 111-104 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, February 12.
When asked about how he felt about the game Lillard responded, “I don’t know.”
Damian Lillard injured his groin in the final minutes of the Blazers loss to the Grizzlies on Wednesday. Deciding to put his health first, Lillard confirmed in the postgame locker room that he will not participate in the All-Star Game or 3pt contest. #RipCity pic.twitter.com/PNOTtXoMbG
— NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) February 13, 2020
The Blazers all-star played 37 minutes against the Grizzlies. He scored 20 points on 7-19 shooting including 2-7 from three.
After the game, Lillard told the media that he won’t be able to play in the NBA All-Star game in Chicago on Sunday, February 16 or participate in the three-point contest on Saturday, February 15.
Damian Lillard says he is not competing in the All-Star Game or Three Point Contest due to the right groin strain he suffered tonight in Memphis.
— Adam Ward (@adamcward) February 13, 2020
Lillard was named an NBA All-Star for the fifth time of his career on January 30.
Portland head coach Terry Stotts said that Lillard would get an MRI on Thursday, February 13 to confirm the injury but called it a right groin strain.
Coach Stotts says Damian Lillard suffered a right groin strain. He will have an MRI tomorrow.
— Jamie Hudson (@JamieHudsonNBCS) February 13, 2020
Lillard said that Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker should be considered for his replacement in the all-star game.
Lillard says he won’t be able to play in the All-Star Game. Mentions Devin Booker as someone who should be considered as his replacement. https://t.co/WsmvzM7tRL
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) February 13, 2020
The Blazers guard ranks No. 4 in the NBA in scoring this season. Through 53 games, Lillard is averaging a career-high 29.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, career-high 7.9 assists, and 1.0 steals per contest.
Portland owns a 25-31 record this season.
