Blazers Coach Confirms Damian Lillard Will Miss Playoffs vs. Spurs

Interim head coach Tiago Splitter says Lillard is focused on next season's return.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:21am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the action and energy of a basketball game, with sharp planes of color and form representing the competitive clash between the two teams.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes playoff matchup between the undermanned Blazers and the Spurs' star-studded roster.Phoenix Today

The Portland Trail Blazers have advanced to the 2026 NBA Playoffs after defeating the Phoenix Suns in the Play-In Tournament. However, interim head coach Tiago Splitter has confirmed that star player Damian Lillard will not suit up for the upcoming series against the San Antonio Spurs, as he continues to recover from a torn Achilles tendon injury sustained last season.

Why it matters

Lillard's absence is a significant blow to the Blazers' playoff hopes, as he is one of the league's premier players. The team will have to rely on other key contributors like Deni Avdija to try and pull off an upset against the second-seeded Spurs, who are led by MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama.

The details

Lillard suffered the Achilles injury in Game 4 of last year's playoffs against the Indiana Pacers and was ruled out for the entire 2025-26 season. Despite being sidelined, Lillard recently made history by winning the 3-Point Contest at the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend. Splitter stated that Lillard is focused on his recovery and preparing for next season, rather than attempting to return for the playoffs.

  • Lillard sustained the Achilles injury in Game 4 of last year's playoffs against the Indiana Pacers.
  • Lillard was ruled out for the entire 2025-26 NBA season to fully recover.
  • Lillard won the 3-Point Contest at the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.

The players

Damian Lillard

A star player for the Portland Trail Blazers who is currently sidelined with a torn Achilles tendon injury sustained last season.

Tiago Splitter

The interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, who has confirmed that Damian Lillard will not play in the upcoming playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs.

Deni Avdija

A key contributor for the Portland Trail Blazers who will need to step up in Damian Lillard's absence.

Victor Wembanyama

The MVP candidate for the San Antonio Spurs, who the Blazers will have to try and contain in the upcoming playoff series.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think so. He's had his head on next season. We've got to be serious about it.”

— Tiago Splitter, Interim Head Coach, Portland Trail Blazers

What’s next

The Blazers will face the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, with Game 1 scheduled for Sunday.

The takeaway

The Blazers' playoff run will be significantly more challenging without their star player Damian Lillard, who continues to focus on his recovery for next season. The team will need to rally around other key contributors like Deni Avdija to try and pull off an upset against the Spurs and their MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama.