Damian Lillard Suffers A Concussion: Will Miss NBA Cup Opener Against Raptors

The Milwaukee Bucks need to save their season from spiraling after their shockingly bad 2-8 start to action in 2024-25. The Bucks were considered among the contenders in the East but are currently No. 14 in the standings and have been health another big blow with star point guard Damian Lillard being put into the NBA's concussion protocol and being ruled out for their NBA Cup opener against the Toronto Raptors. 

"Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard has entered the concussion protocol and will be out for Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Raptors."

Lillard is having an improved season compared to his debut year with the Bucks, averaging 26.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.6 assists through 10 games this season. The game against the Raptors will be his first missed game of the year. It might lead to a lot more missed games due to the stringent NBA Concussion Protocol. 

The Concussion Protocol leads to close evaluation of any player who suffers a head injury, requiring them to pass a number of requirements before they can be cleared for a return. Some of the crucial requirements are:

• Be without concussion-related symptoms at rest
• Evaluated by a physician with training and experience in concussion management
• Completed the NBA’s return-to-participation exertion process, which includes frequent examination and a series of increased exertion exercises — “from a stationary bike, to jogging, to agility work, to non-contact team drills”
• The director of the NBA’s concussion program discussed the return-to-participation process and decision with a team physician, with the final decision ultimately made by the physician

We've seen teams try to limit concussions on their squads for player safety and also because getting cleared from a concussion can lead to longer depending on how the NBA's evaluation of their health can be.

Lillard missing the opening matchup of the NBA Cup will be a blow to the Bucks, but the franchise will hope Giannis Antetokounmpo can carry them to victory in Dame's absence. The Bucks are 2-8 and 14th in the East, but their opponents are 2-9 and 15th in the East.

Given the young and developing nature of most of their roster, the Bucks should have enough talent to beat the Raptors, who will be without Scottie Barnes. Giannis has struggled against Toronto in the past, but they don't have the high-caliber wing defenders they once had to stop him.

Hopefully, Lillard's recovery goes well and he can return to the court to help the Bucks return to Playoff contention. Otherwise, the franchise might need to start looking for alternatives on the trade market. Lillard is having an improved season, so the Bucks might turn a corner after his return.

Lillard will be absent through a relatively easy schedule for Milwaukee, as they face the Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, and Charlotte Hornets in their next three contests.