NBA injury update: Is Damian Lillard playing tonight vs Oklahoma City Thunder? Encouraging signs emerge as star stays optimistic about Achilles recovery

Due to an Achilles tear, Damian Lillard will not play this season. The seven-time All-NBA guard is putting a lot of effort into his recuperation while coaching a young, promising Portland Trail Blazers squad. Lillard recently discussed his current state of rehabilitation with Allie Clifton during an episode of the Road Trippin' Show.

Notably, Lillard sustained a torn left Achilles tendon during Game 5 of the Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers Eastern Conference first round of the previous postseason. But while he continues to recuperate within the Portland Trail Blazers, he is still in a positive frame of mind.

Positive mindset fuels Damian Lillard’s long road to recovery

After agreeing to a three-year, $41.6 million contract with the Blazers, the legendary player was able to develop into an All-NBA player during the first ten seasons of his career. Dame's perspective on his injury recovery and future prospects has changed after returning to Portland.

The star guard now discussed his ongoing Achilles therapy and recuperation in an interview with Allie Clifton on NBA on Prime. He said:

"It's going great. I think it's just one of those injuries where you've got to take your time—you know, it takes what it takes. The first couple of weeks to maybe two or three months is kind of frustrating because you're so limited. But with patience, giving yourself grace, and doing the things necessary to continue progressing, you get to a point where you start to see the light at the end of the tunnel."




At the age of 35, Lillard decided to take a year off rather than try to make a comeback this season. He expressed his satisfaction with the choice, the Trail Blazers' development, and the potential outcome for the upcoming season.

"I feel great about it — even better now than I did when I made that decision. Just getting further along and seeing that everything is coming back… I’m getting further along and seeing that everything is coming back. My main concern was how I’d move after this, and now that’s improving. I’m working on unpredictable movements, some contact, picking up the pace, being in the air, landing, and not overthinking it..”

He continued:

"Now that I've gotten to that point, I feel better about the decision to give myself the maximum amount of time. Also, looking at our team and the type of growth that we've had, I know if I'm able to do this and come correct, we'll have a great shot next season."

For Lillard, this year has just been difficult. In addition to suffering from a severe Achilles injury, he battled a potentially fatal blood clot. And the Bucks made the decision to let him go immediately following the season.

However, Lillard is upbeat about the future since he has re-established contact with the Blazers and is prepared to continue assisting the team in laying the groundwork with a number of young players, including Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, and Donovan Clingan.

Patient recovery plan boosts optimism as Damian Lillard and Portland Trail Blazers quietly build toward next season

Stars like Lillard always want to do all in their power to return to the floor, regardless of the type of injury they are suffering with. Lillard initially thought this way, but he is aware of how long it takes to heal from an Achilles injury. Even though it was a difficult choice, Lillard says he feels "even better" about it now that he has seen what goes into his rehabilitation and how his body feels going into 2026.

Meanwhile, with Deni Avdija, Lillard, Shaedon Sharpe, Donovan Clingan, Scoot Henderson, who hasn't played this season due to injury, and possibly Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant, it will be interesting to see how the Trail Blazers might look next season. Avdija has performed like an All-Star in Portland this season.


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