Damian Lillard

In an unexpected turn of events, Damian Lillard, the star guard for the Milwaukee Bucks, will be notably absent from the upcoming clash against the Utah Jazz on Monday night. The Bucks, already dealing with various challenges, will also be without the services of reserve guard Cam Payne, who is currently undergoing concussion protocol. The Bucks' official injury report for the game has cited personal reasons as the cause for Lillard's absence. This development marks only the third time this season that the

Two of the Portland Trail Blazers' best players will be out for their marquee matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday. Damian Lillard (right hamstring) and Jusuf Nurkic (right knee) won't play against Los Angeles, the team Portland would face in the playoffs if the season ended today. It will be the third straight missed game for Lillard but the first for Nurkic since he missed a game April 10 against Detroit. He also missed the last meeting at the Clippers on