Damian Lillard Could Make Grand Trail Blazers Return if They Upset Spurs in Round 1?

Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

If the Portland Trail Blazers can somehow upset the San Antonio Spurs in the quarterfinals of the NBA Playoffs, a new report suggests they could get a boost from one of the greatest players in franchise history.

The Trail Blazers entered their first playoff series in several years against the Spurs as sizable underdogs. And it is understandable why. San Antonio looks like a real threat to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder because of 2026 Defensive Player of the Year and MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama.

However, in Game 2, the French phenom had a nasty spill that saw him fall on his face and incur a concussion. While he is traveling with the team, he is unlikely to suit up in Game 3, and a return in Game 4 is up in the air. After winning Tuesday’s game, and Wembayama’s return date unclear, all of a sudden, this series looks a lot more winnable for the Trail Blazers.

Door opens to Damian Lillard return during 2026 NBA Playoffs

Well, if they can somehow pull off the unthinkable and advance to the next round, there seems to be an outside chance they could get the addition of a certain Trail Blazers legend.

“However implausible it may seem, the franchise has not completely ruled out the possibility that Damian Lillard could make a surprise appearance in the postseason this year,” multiple sources . “‘I wouldn’t rule anything out,’ a source said.”