Is Dame Lillard playing tonight in Game 5 vs. Spurs? Final status for Blazers star

Is Dame Lillard playing tonight in Game 5 vs. Spurs? Final status for Blazers star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Portland Trail Blazers will be playing for their season in Game 5 against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night.

If they win, they'll extend their season, but if they lose they'll be headed home, or to Cancun.

Dame Lillard ruled out for Game 5 vs. Spurs due to left Achilles tendon management

There's been some speculation that star guard Dame Lillard,  who hasn't played in a game all season after suffering a torn Achilles year last year, could return for Portland during postseason play and potentially even during the series against San Antonio.

While that would be a big boon for Portland, it won't be happening in Game 5. Lillard has been officially ruled out of the game due to left Achilles tendon injury management.

So, if the Blazers are going to extend their season, they're going to have to do so without one of the best players in franchise history. If they're able to pull out a win, perhaps Lillard would be able to hit the court for Game 6 on Thursday night.

The good news for the Blazers is that Lillard is the only player listed on the official injury report for Game 5, so everyone else will be available for the critical contest.