The Blazers season is on the line in game five against the Lakers, and they will be without Damian Lillard.
The All-Star point guard suffered a knee sprain and will not play.
Even if Portland were to win game five it is very possible Lillard will be out for quite some time.
The Blazers went to Orlando lost in the playoff shuffle, but were able to get guys healthy and secure the eighth seed in the West.
A big part of that was due to Lillard’s play.
Dame was put up multiple 50-point nights and carried the Blazers into the play-in game against the Grizzlies.
He then led the Blazers to a Game 2 win against the Lakers tying the series at one.
Many believed the Trail Blazers could give the Lakers a run for their money.
But games three and four did not turn out well and now the team faces a 3-1 hole without their best player.
Lillard isn’t the only starter who is out, the team also lost Zach Collins to an injury for the rest of the season.
It is an uphill battle that may very well end in Game 5.
The Blazers went against many odds and made it to the postseason, but their run of injuries may be too much to overcome.
As the team looks towards next year, they will have some salary-cap space.
Hassan Whiteside hits free agency and some of their guys are still on rookie deals.
Portland tries to stave off elimination Wednesday.