Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard targeting Sunday return

Trail Blazers perennial All-Star Damian Lillard is targeting a Sunday return from a leg injury, Chris Haynes reported during TNT’s Tuesday broadcast of the Clippers-Blazers game. Portland begin a four-game homestand against the Pacers that night.

Lillard was diagnosed on Nov. 20 with a Grade 1 strain to the soleus muscle in the right lower leg. He was injured during the previous night against Utah.

Lillard, who is averaging 26.3 points and 7.0 assists this season, also missed four games earlier this season due to a calf strain. He sat out a majority of last season due to a core muscle issue.

Thus far during Lillard’s latest absence, the Blazers lost to Milwaukee, Cleveland and Brooklyn and defeated New York in overtime. All those contests were on the road.

Following the Clippers’ matchup, Portland head out on the road again to play the Lakers on Wednesday and Utah on Saturday.