Damian Lillard's Injury Complicated by Abdominal Strain

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. rd-s-injury-complicated-by-abdominal-strain.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 9:50 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Oregon, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES

Damian Lillard's Injury Saga Continues: Calf Strain Complicated by Abdominal Issue - Will He Make All-Star Weekend?

Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard's return to the court has become a protracted and frustrating process for fans and the organization alike. What began as a seemingly straightforward calf strain suffered on December 29th, 2025, against the Dallas Mavericks has morphed into a complex recovery timeline punctuated by setbacks and uncertainty. As of today, February 25th, 2026, Lillard's status for the remainder of the regular season, and critically, his participation in the NBA All-Star Weekend's 3-Point Contest, hangs in the balance.

The initial injury, sustained nearly two months ago, immediately sidelined the Blazers' franchise player. Calf strains, while common in basketball due to the explosive movements required, require careful rehabilitation to prevent re-injury. The Blazers, understandably, adopted a cautious approach, beginning with individual workouts in early January 2026. A return to practice followed in mid-January, offering a glimmer of hope. However, that hope was quickly tempered as Lillard experienced discomfort, forcing the team to pump the brakes on his reintegration.

February offered a series of incremental positive steps, but also frustrating halts. A re-evaluation on February 4th yielded no firm return date, and the team continued to monitor his progress. By February 11th, the lack of a concrete timetable was becoming a source of concern for fans eager to see their star back on the court. Encouraging signs emerged from practice on February 18th, suggesting Lillard was making tangible progress. The culmination of these positive signals came on February 24th, when Lillard participated in a full scrimmage, demonstrating what appeared to be significant improvement.

However, just when it seemed Lillard was finally on the verge of a comeback, a new obstacle has emerged. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported today that Lillard suffered a setback, this time involving a lower abdominal strain. The precise nature and severity of this new injury are currently unknown, but it throws Lillard's recovery into further disarray. This latest development is particularly concerning because abdominal strains can often be tricky to manage, potentially impacting a player's core stability and overall athleticism - crucial elements for a guard of Lillard's caliber.

Beyond the impact on the Trail Blazers' playoff aspirations (they currently sit 6th in the Western Conference as of this writing, clinging to a playoff spot), Lillard's injury also casts a shadow over the upcoming All-Star Weekend in Chicago. Lillard, a perennial All-Star, had been widely expected to defend his 3-Point Contest title. His electrifying performances in the contest have made him a fan favorite, and his absence would undoubtedly diminish the event. However, given the Blazers' cautious approach and now this new abdominal issue, his participation is far from guaranteed. The team is almost certain to prioritize his long-term health over a weekend exhibition, and a hasty return could jeopardize his availability for the crucial final stretch of the season.

The situation demands a delicate balance between wanting to showcase a star player and ensuring his full recovery. The NBA season is a marathon, not a sprint, and rushing Lillard back could lead to a more serious, long-term injury. The Blazers are likely to re-evaluate Lillard's condition in the coming days, consulting with medical experts to determine the best course of action. Fans will be anxiously awaiting further updates, hoping for a positive prognosis. The next few days will be critical in determining not only Lillard's availability for All-Star Weekend but also his role in the Blazers' playoff push. The team needs him healthy, but they need him healthy enough to contribute meaningfully, not just to fill a roster spot.