Damian Lillard to Miss Blazers' Road Trip to Meet with Specialists for Abdomen Injury

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Scott Polacek is a featured Columnist for the Portland Trailblazers.

AP Photo/John McCoy

Damian will not be on the road trip so he can meet with specialists about his abdominal injury.

Chauncey Billups confirmed the news to reporters ahead of the team's game against the Kings. The home game is on Monday before the road swing.

He hasn't played since December 31st. The team is out of the playoffs because of health concerns for Damian Lillard andCJ McCollum, both of whom have been out since December because of a collapsed lung.

One of the league's best players when healthy is Damian Lillard.

The Weber State product is a six-time All-NBA selection, six-time All-Star and member of the NBA's 75th anniversary team who is known for his ability to take over games in clutch moments, extend his attack well beyond the 3-point line and get to the

In addition to his 24.0 points, 7.3 assists and 4.1 rebound per game, Lillard is shooting 40.2 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from deep this season.

With the star out, look for the combination of Dennis Smith Jr. and Anfernee Simons to see more playing time.