Damian Lillard (foot) returned to practice Wednesday and said he expects to play in Friday's preseason game versus Maccabi Haifa B.C. (Israel), The Oregonian reports.

Lillard (foot) returned to practice Wednesday and said he expects to play in Friday's preseason game versus Maccabi Haifa B.C. (Israel), The Oregonian reports.

Analysis:

Lillard was excluded from scrimmage work during Tuesday's practice but returned as a full participant Wednesday. Judging from that progress, it appears that his left foot sprain suffered last week is subsiding. Nonetheless, the Blazers will likely exercise caution with their young All-Star point guard, making his status ahead of Friday's preseason tilt worthwhile to monitor.