Is Damian Lillard playing tonight against the Golden State Warriors? | 2021-22 NBA Preseason

Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers remain winless heading into the 2021-22 NBA preseason finale on Friday. The Blazers will visit the undefeated Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

Lillard played in the Blazers' 119-74 loss against the Phoenix Suns last Wednesday. He had 12 points, two rebounds and two assists in 24 minutes. He was cold beyond the arc, making just one three-point shot from six attempts.

The Blazers have lost all three of their preseason games so far. It has been a struggle for Portland under new head coach Chauncey Billups. Heading into the final day of the preseason, it is important for the Blazers to gain some momentum heading into the regular season.

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What is Damian Lillard's status for tonight's game against the Golden State Warriors?

Damian Lillard has been ruled out by the Portland Trail Blazers against the Golden State Warriors for tonight's game. Lillard is not injured, but was just rested to keep him fresh and healthy heading into the season opener.

It's not the first time the Blazers have rested Damian Lillard this preseason. Lillard was given the day off for Portland's second exhibition game against the Sacramento Kings last Monday. It was after his 19-point performance against the Warriors in the preseason opener on October 4th.

Aside from Damian Lillard, the Blazers will be without four more players against the Warriors. They are Nassir Little, Anfernee Simons, Tony Snell and Cody Zeller. Little has a left hamstring strain and Simons is recovering from a sprained right thumb.

Meanwhile, Snell is nursing a sprained right foot while Zeller has a fractured nose. The four players are not expected to be out for a long period of time.

Damian Lillard had an amazing 2020-21 season. He was an MVP candidate, ranking seventh on the ballot. He averaged 28.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 7.5 assists while shooting 39.1% from beyond the arc.

Lillard led the Blazers to the playoffs, but they were eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in six games. He did not disappoint, averaging a career playoff-high 34.3 points.

However, it should be noted that the upcoming season is a very important one not only for Damian Lillard, but also for the Portland Trail Blazers. A bad start to the season could lead to Lillard requesting a trade.