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Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard out vs. Nuggets with lower abdominal pain

Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Denver Nuggets with lower abdominal pain and is day-to-day, according to coach Chauncey Billups.

Lillard has struggled to start the season, shooting below 40% from the field and below 30% from 3-point range.

The Blazers officially ruled Lillard out with "lower abdominal tendinopathy." He had been dealing with an abdominal problem while playing for Team USA at the Olympics this summer but maintained that an injury is not the reason for his recent stretch of poor play.

Lillard is averaging 20 points and 8 assists this season. Sunday will mark the first game he has missed this year.