Sources: Damian Lillard returning from injury to face Timberwolves

·Staff writer

12 December 2021 at 7:55 pm·1-min read

Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard will return from an abdominal injury to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, sources tell Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes.

Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard (abdomen) will make his return tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves after missing the last five games, league sources tell @YahooSports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) December 13, 2021

Lillard missed five straight games with an abdominal injury that has plagued him since playing for Team USA in the Olympics. Portland sidelined Lillard on Dec. 1 after an MRI confirmed that he's dealing with lower abdominal tendinopathy. Haynes reported on Dec. 8 that Lillard had a cortisone injection to mitigate lingering pain. Lillard's return on Sunday is in line with Portland's initial 10-day window.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - NOVEMBER 29: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers in action during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on November 29, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) — Damian Lillard is back. (Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

Lillard has struggled this season as a scorer, shooting a career-low 39.7% from the field and 30.2% from 3-point range while averaging 21.5 points per game, his lowest scoring average since the 2014-15 season. He has also averaged four rebounds and 7.8 assists. The Blazers are off to an 11-15 start, good for ninth place in the Western Conference as of Sunday evening.

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