Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard will miss his first game of the season against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night (8 ET, NBA TV), the team announced.
Damian Lillard (back spasms) is out for tonight’s game
— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) November 19, 2019
Lillard is sidelined with back spasms, which he has been experiencing since playing the Toronto Raptors last Wednesday.
Lillard has played in two games since the injury, but he has struggled with his shot. Including the game against the Raptors, Lillard has shot 10-for-46 (4-for-22 from 3-point) over his last three games.
Lillard has been experiencing back issues since the Toronto game. He’s tried to fight through it, but you can see it in his shooting, especially from three. Just hasn’t been comfortable.
— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) November 19, 2019
Prior to this three-game stretch, the 29-year-old guard had been dominant to start the season. He posted averages of 32.5 points (49.8 FG%, 39.3 3P%), 6.6 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals over his first 11 games.
The Blazers (5-9) officially added Carmelo Anthony to the team on Tuesday. He is expected to make his debut against the Pelicans tonight.
