NBA --- Lillard still down as Portland chases playoffs spot
By Ryan Gallardo
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 26 Feb 2020
PORTLAND -- When the 2019-20 NBA season began last October, the Portland Trail Blazers were expected to easily make to post-season, what with their talent and the gained experience from a deep playoffs run last summer.
But perception and reality are two different animals. And the Blazers are finding that out the hard way.
With a little over six weeks left before the 82-game regular season ends, Portland has a disappointing 26-32 record which puts them in 9th place in the Western Conference standings. They trail the 28-29 Memphis Grizzlies by three games for the eighth and last playoffs berth.
Besides trying to supplant the Grizzlies, the Blazers must also somehow prevent the 25-32 New Orleans Pelicans and the 24-32 San Antonio Spurs from sneaking in down the stretch.
And that difficult task, at least for now, will have to be accomplished without their leader and best player, Damian Lillard.
For the third consecutive game, the Blazers will play without their star when they host the Boston Celtics today at the Moda Center.
Lillard was hurt in Portland's 111-104 defeat to the Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum in Memphis last Wednesday. An MRI confirmed a right groin strain. He is expected to be out for multiple games, between three to four, reports said.
Obviously Lillard is huge loss, especially at a time when he is playing some of his best basketball since beginning his pro career as the sixth pick of the NBA draft. A veteran of seven years and 603 regular seasons, Lillard is averaging 29.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 7.9 assists per through 54 games this season.
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Lillard is making $29.8 million this season or $363,414 per game.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ryan Gallardo.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 13 OCTOBER 2025: Ennis Wipes Out Lima; Vianello Defeats Barriere; Makhmudov Outpoits Allen
By Eric Armit, Tue, 14 Oct 2025Omar Juarez Set for Homecoming Clash Against Omar Rosario on October 18 i
Tue, 14 Oct 2025BLAZEN ROCILI, THE 6’3” FILIPINO GIANT, SCORES DOMINANT 2ND-ROUND TKO OVER ORLANDO SALGADO IN AURORA, COLORADO
Tue, 14 Oct 2025YORK HALL FIGHT WEEK SCHEDULE CONFIRMED AS KIERON CONWAY VOWS TO TEACH 'OVER CONFIDENT' RIVAL GEORGE LIDDARD A LESSON
Tue, 14 Oct 2025Pedro Veitia Set to Face Fellow Unbeaten Xavier Ceron on October 18 in Texas, Live on DAZN
Tue, 14 Oct 2025Jesse Espinas Victorious, New IBF Asia Champion
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 13 Oct 2025Naseem Hamed Update
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 13 Oct 2025Kiddie Chess Tournament Goes to Farmers Plaza
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 13 Oct 2025Manny Pacquiao vs. Rolly Romero in January 2026? Boxing Legend Eyes One More Run at Glory
By Dong Secuya, Mon, 13 Oct 202511 martial arts in BP 2025
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 13 Oct 2025NM Medina beats Slovak GM, draws with FM Castellano to win the 8th AQ Prime FIDE Standard Open Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 13 Oct 2025“The Wonder Boy” Carl Jammes Martin Ready to Shine October 29 at the 50th Anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila (Analysis)
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 13 Oct 2025THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 19: JOE FRAZIER FIGHTS ALI, QUARRY AND ELLIS AGAIN
By Maloney L. Samaco, Mon, 13 Oct 2025Berchelt captures "Reynosa" WBC commemorative belt after triumphant return
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 13 Oct 2025Supeyia Fights Mamdouh in Brico Santig’s Thailand Show; Elmo Traya and Raymond Yanong Also in Action Oct 25 LIVE on TrillerTV
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 13 Oct 2025