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Lillard out with calf injury, will be re-evaluated in 1-2 weeks

Sam Forencich / National Basketball Association / Getty

Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard will be re-evaluated in one-to-two weeks after suffering a Grade 1 right calf strain in Saturday's contest against the Utah Jazz, the team announced.

Lillard exited in the third quarter due to tightness in his calf and did not return. He underwent an MRI which revealed a strain in a different area from his previous calf injury, sources told TNT's Chris Haynes.

Lillard's initial calf injury kept him sidelined for four games. During his absence, Anfernee Simons took over playmaking responsibilities and rookie Shaedon Sharpe moved into the starting lineup.

"The last time was worse," Lillard told reporters postgame, per ESPN. "When I first strained it, I knew right away. The reason I took myself out is so, hopefully, this time we can get ahead of it instead of me staying out there and putting myself in a worse position."

The six-time All-Star has played a major role in the Blazers' hot start, averaging 26.3 points, seven assists, and 4.3 boards over 11 appearances.

Portland enters Sunday's slate with a 10-6 record, just one game back of the top-seeded Utah Jazz.

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