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Damian Lillard’s Return Is Bad News For The Kings

By Anthony Cardenas

PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 04: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers works against Cory Joseph #9 of the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter during their game at Moda Center on December 04, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 04: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers works against Cory Joseph #9 of the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter during their game at Moda Center on December 04, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard is set to make his return this week, which comes as bad news for the Sacramento Kings.

The Sacramento Kings need all the victories that they can get, and their chances of getting one on Saturday just became a lot harder.

Their opponent for that game, the Portland Trail Blazers, announced on Monday that Damian Lillard is scheduled to make his return to the lineup this Wednesday against the Wizards. Lillard has missed the last five games with a groin injury and Portland is 1-4. He was enjoying one of the best stretches of his all-star career in late January by averaging a blistering 45 points per game over an eight game span.

The news is great for the Blazers, who are in danger of slipping further back in the race for the 8th and final playoff spot. They currently sit in 12th place, but are just a half game behind all of the Pelicans, Kings, and Spurs and have winnable games against the Magic, Wizards, and Suns before the Kings visit this weekend.

Sacramento had better rack up a couple of home victories against beatable teams while they can. The Kings will play host to the Wizards on Tuesday evening, who have a bad record but also have Bradley Beal who has been on a tear. On Thursday, the injury-depleted 76ers will visit Sacramento, likely without both Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. If the Kings are able to capitalize by defeating both Eastern Conference foes, they could ride in to Portland with a bit of momentum. And they’ll likely need it.

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In three meetings with the Kings this season, Lillard has averaged 28.7 points and 6.7 assists per game. His career numbers against Sacramento are 24.3 and 7.6. The Kings are 1-2 against Portland this season with the Blazers winning the most recent contest 127-116.

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