The Milwaukee Bucks have ruled out Damian Lillard for Tuesday’s high-profile clash against the Phoenix Suns. The 33-year-old headed into the game with the questionable tag, and there was some hope that he would be able to play in the final game of Milwaukee’s current five-game road stand.
This just wasn’t to be, though, as Lillard appears to be dealing with an ankle injury that is more serious than initially perceived.
Milwaukee Bucks Star Damian Lillard Played Through Injury Vs. Jazz
The reason why there was a lot of optimism surrounding Lillard’s status for Tuesday’s game is because he had the same status heading into Sunday’s contest against the Utah Jazz. Despite the questionable tag, however, Dame still suited up against the Jazz in what turned out to be a highly disappointing loss for the Bucks.
At one point in the game, Lillard landed awkwardly on the same left foot that had an ankle sprain. He looked like he was in some pain as he limped back to the opposite end of the floor after a poster slam on Jazz big man Walker Kessler. Dame landed on Kessler’s foot, though, which may have re-aggravated the knock.
Lillard played on and he finished with 12 points on 5-of-18 shooting, six assists, and three turnovers in 38 minutes of action.
‘He Shouldn’t Have Played’
NBA insider Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report has now provided a bit of a concerning update on Lillard’s injury status. Haynes pointed out that Dame played poorly against the Jazz, which probably had something to do with his ankle bothering him. According to the league insider, Lillard should have not been cleared to play in the first place.
“Dame was questionable for that last game at Utah,” Haynes said (h/t HoopsHype). “Didn’t play well at all. He was questionable with an ankle injury. He shouldn’t have played. He probably shouldn’t have played. I was told that that that ankle it was bothering him. So we’ll see how he moves forward with that injury in the games ahead I’m not ready to report on if he’s gonna miss miss any games right now. But I just want to just say that you know, that’s a ankle injury he’s dealing with.”
Haynes made his comments before the Bucks ruled Lillard out for Tuesday night’s game. It now remains to be seen if this is going to be more than just a one-game absence for the eight-time All-Star.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @PaoloSongcoNBA, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” You can also reach out to Paolo Songco via email at pao.songco@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.
