PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 18: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles against Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors in game three of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Moda Center on May 18, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

Damian Lillard out for Carmelo Anthony's Trail Blazers Debut with Back Injury

Tyler ConwayNov 19, 2019

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard will miss Tuesday night's game against the New Orleans Pelicans due to back spasms, according to Jason Quick of The Athletic.

That means Lillard will miss what is expected to be Carmelo Anthony's debut game for the Blazers.

Coming off the best season of his career, Lillard inked a supermax contract extension this summer that will keep him with the Blazers for the remainder of his prime.

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He's averaging 28.6 points and 7.1 assists on 45.2 percent shooting through the first 14 games of the season.

The Blazers will undoubtedly struggle without Lillard, their best player and offensive fulcrum. They don't have much in the way of a primary backup, though the team is banking on a breakout performance from Anfernee Simons.

CJ McCollum and Simons could wind up handling the lead ball-handling duties on if Lillard misses any more time with his back issues.