Damian Lillard’s Potential Return for Portland Trail Blazers Against San Antonio Spurs in Playoffs

Damian Lillard remains sidelined for the Portland Trail Blazers as he continues his recovery from a left Achilles tendon rupture suffered during the 2025 playoffs. Despite being ruled out for the season, the Blazers have not completely dismissed the possibility of his return in the postseason, sparking fan speculation after sharing a workout video on social media ahead of their first-round series against the San Antonio Spurs.

Lillard’s Injury and Recovery Timeline

Lillard tore his left Achilles tendon on April 27, 2025, during the Trail Blazers’ playoff game. Following the injury, the Milwaukee Bucks waived him approximately two months later. He subsequently returned to Portland on a three-year, $42 million contract and has been actively rehabilitating since.

Although Lillard participated in on-court work throughout the season and won the 3-Point Contest during the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend, Blazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter stated that Lillard “probably” will not play during the current series against the Spurs. A return would likely require Portland to advance to the Western Conference semifinals for the team to seriously consider activating him.

Blazers’ Social Media Tease Fuels Speculation

The Portland Trail Blazers ignited discussion among fans when they posted a video on their official X (formerly Twitter) account showing Lillard shooting jump shots during practice, accompanied by the wide-eyed emoji. The post led to widespread speculation about a potential playoff return, especially after co-owner Sheel Tyle liked and reposted the video.

Despite the tease, reports from The Oregonian‘s Bill Oram confirmed that Lillard’s return for this season remains unlikely but has not been entirely ruled out. The Blazers organization has acknowledged the video as a motivational gesture rather than an announcement of imminent comeback.

Series Context: Trail Blazers vs. Spurs

As of April 25, 2026, the Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs are tied 1-1 in their first-round playoff series after Portland won Game 2 on the road. The teams are set to play Games 3 and 4 at the Moda Center in Portland. Meanwhile, Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is managing a concussion, adding uncertainty to San Antonio’s lineup.

While Lillard’s return remains a long shot, the Blazers’ resilience in the series has kept hopes alive among fans that their all-time leading scorer could make a dramatic postseason appearance if Portland continues to advance.

Key Takeaways

• Damian Lillard has not played during the 2025-26 NBA season due to a left Achilles tendon rupture sustained on April 27, 2025.
• Despite winning the 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest, Lillard’s return this season is considered improbable but not impossible.
• The Trail Blazers have not ruled out a playoff return, though it would likely require a deep run into the Western Conference semifinals.
• A social media post showing Lillard working out sparked fan speculation, but the team framed it as motivational rather than indicative of an imminent comeback.
• Portland leads the first-round series against the San Antonio Spurs 1-1 as of April 25, 2026, with Games 3 and 4 scheduled in Portland.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Damian Lillard suffer his Achilles injury?

Lillard tore his left Achilles tendon on April 27, 2025, during the Trail Blazers’ playoff game.

Is Damian Lillard expected to play in the 2026 playoffs?

Blazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter said Lillard “probably” will not play in the current series against the Spurs. A return would likely only be considered if Portland advances to the Western Conference semifinals.

What did the Trail Blazers’ social media post show?

The Blazers shared a video of Lillard shooting jump shots during practice, accompanied by the wide-eyed emoji, which fans interpreted as a tease of a potential return.

What is Lillard’s contract status with the Trail Blazers?

Lillard signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks following his Achilles injury.

How is the Trail Blazers vs. Spurs series currently standing?

As of April 25, 2026, the series is tied 1-1 after Portland won Game 2 on the road. Games 3 and 4 are scheduled to be played in Portland.