Portland Trail Blazers star point guard Damian Lillard was diagnosed with a calf strain following an MRI and will miss a 'brief period', per TNT's Chris Haynes.
The Blazers' veteran exited Saturday's game against Utah in the third quarter, initially sparking concerns that he had re-aggravated a previous right calf strain that had already held him out for five games this season.
However, Lillard said afterward, "The last time was worse. When I first strained it, I knew right away. The reason I took myself out is so hopefully this time we can get ahead of it instead of me staying out there and putting myself in a worse position."
Lillard missed much of last season due to lower abdominal tendinopathy — the 33-year-old only played in 29 games as the Blazers struggled to a 27-55 record.
Lillard is averaging 26.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.0 assists a game so far this season.
