Damian Lillard returns for Trail Blazers opener against Suns

Missed all of 2025-26 season ahead of Portland opener

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 58m1 min read

Via @NBAPR on X

What happened: Portland hosts Phoenix on Oct. 21 to open the season. Lillard missed the entire 2025-26 season.

Why it matters: His return puts Portland's lead guard back in the lineup for opening night. The home opener sets the starting point for the upcoming season's rotation.

What to watch: Opening-night minutes will show how Portland uses Lillard from the start.

Sources

@NBAPR 2026-10-16T16:39:21.293873+00:00

Box score

CONVERSATION

Loading comments…

NBAInjuryPortland Trail BlazersPhoenix SunsDamian Lillard

Follow NBA Intelligence

Real-time signals and analysis

@WireReportNBA

WR Pro

The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.

$9/month Free weekly newsletter →