Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard says he will not participate in the 69th NBA All-Star Game or the MTN DEW 3-Point Contest after straining his right groin in Wednesday’s loss to Memphis.
Lillard is slated for an MRI tomorrow but told the media after the game, in which he scored 20 points in 36 minutes, that he would not take part in this weekend’s festivities in Chicago.
“That’s something you look forward to, those festivities and having fun,” Lillard said. “But my health is first, and I knew right away. I’ll still be there and be a part of it, but I’m not going to play.
The Trail Blazers do not play again until Feb. 21, when they face New Orleans at home. Portland currently stands four games behind Memphis for the eighth and final playoff berth in the Western Conference.
