Damian Lillard out for Bucks vs. Raptors, reportedly suffered a concussion against Celtics | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 23: Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks speaks during a post-game press conference against the Indiana Pacers during Round One Game Two of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2024 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin . NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photo, user agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).

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Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard has entered concussion protocol and has been ruled out of Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Raptors, the team announced on Monday.

NBA insider Chris Haynes provided more information about Lillard:

Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes

Sources: Damian Lillard took a hit to the head late in the third quarter against the Celtics on Sunday. Today I suffered from a headache and dizziness. Tests confirmed a concussion. There is a possibility he could be acquitted in Wednesday’s game against the Pistons.

Despite the Bucks’ early-season struggles, Lillard has been stellar, posting 26 points, 6.6 assists and 4.6 boards during Milwaukee’s 2-8 start.

While the Bucks would prefer to have Lillard on the court, his absence will come at a forgivable time as they will face the Raptors, Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets this week – a very manageable slate even without Lillard.

The concussion marks Lillard’s first injury of the season, but he dealt with a few injuries late last season.

During the 2024 postseason, Lillard was ruled out from Milwaukee’s Game 4 game against the Indiana Pacers in the first round due to a strained right Achilles tendon. After sitting out Games 4 and 5, he returned for Game 6 and scored a team-high 28 points, but the Bucks were eliminated from the playoffs after losing the series 4–2.

Lillard said he experienced discomfort in his right Achilles during Milwaukee’s regular-season finale. He sat out the first few days of practice leading up to the postseason to recover in time for the Bucks’ first-round series against the Pacers.

In his first year in Milwaukee, Lillard enjoyed his healthiest season in a long time, playing 73 games and averaging 24.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 7.0 assists. It was the first time he played in 70 or more games since the 2018-19 season, when he was with the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Bucks certainly hope Lillard can stay healthy this year as they try to bounce back from last season’s disappointing end. However, he will miss some time for now and AJ Green will likely be named Milwaukee’s starting point guard.