Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard has entered concussion protocol and has been ruled out for the upcoming matchup against the Toronto Raptors, as announced by the team on Monday.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Lillard sustained a hit to the head near the end of the third quarter during the team’s recent game against the Boston Celtics on Sunday. Following the incident, he experienced headaches and dizziness, prompting further tests that confirmed a concussion. There remains a possibility that he could be cleared in time for Wednesday's game against the Detroit Pistons.
Despite the Bucks' challenging start to the season, recording a 2-8 win-loss record, Lillard has been a standout performer, averaging 26 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game. While the Bucks would prefer to have Lillard available, his absence may come at a relatively favorable time, as they are scheduled to face the Raptors, Pistons, and the Charlotte Hornets over the next week. This trio of opponents presents a manageable run, even in Lillard's absence. This marks his first injury of the current season; however, he faced some injury challenges late last season, including a strained right Achilles tendon that sidelined him during Milwaukee's playoff matchup against the Indiana Pacers. Lillard participated in 73 games during his first season with the Bucks, recording averages of 24.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 7.0 assists, making it his healthiest campaign since 2018-19 when he was with the Portland Trail Blazers. The Bucks aim to keep Lillard healthy as they seek to rebound from last season's disappointing playoff outcome. In the interim, AJ Green is expected to step into the starting point guard role.
