As the Milwaukee Bucks approach a competitive first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, the return of star guard Damian Lillard could be a dynamic shift in Milwaukee's fortune.
On March 25, 2025, the Bucks announced Lillard was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, sidelining the seven-time All-NBA point guard indefinitely. The Bucks were in the midst of battling for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference, entering the postseason as the fifth seed with a 48-34 regular season record.
Without a second star, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks were viewed as a likely first-round exit. Thankfully, the latest Lillard news could save Milwaukee's season.
Damian Lillard nearing return, will miss game one
ESPN's Shams Charania announced on April 17 that the Bucks' star had been cleared of his blood clots and is no longer receiving blood-thinning medication. While Lillard will miss game one in Gainbridge Fieldhouse, he is likely to make a return to the hardwood soon.
Amazing: Milwaukee's Damian Lillard has been cleared of his deep vein thrombosis and is no longer on blood-thinning medication, sources tell ESPN. Lillard is out for Game 1 Saturday against Indiana and will have a period of time to resume contact workouts and ramp up for return. pic.twitter.com/fbeQg0mvsn
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 17, 2025
The Bucks have still not announced an official timeline for Lillard's return, but his speedy recovery is a positive sign for the aspiring contender. Considering the location of the blood clots, whether or not Lillard could make a return before the offseason was a lingering question for the Bucks organization, especially as fellow NBA star Victor Wembanyama had been ruled out for the season with blood clots a few months earlier.
In his second season with the Bucks, the former Portland Trailblazers star averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 58 games. Lillard has grown into his new role with Milwaukee, shooting 37.6 percent from three-point range and adding a second star alongside the Greek Freak.
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The Bucks have had to overcome numerous untimely absences, including an unexpected 25-game suspension of Bobby Portis, Jr. after the veteran big man accidentally broke the NBA's illicit substance policies.
With a return for Damian Lillard on the horizon, the Milwaukee Bucks' chances to overthrow the higher-seeded Pacers increases significantly. Following a roller coaster season, the Bucks ended the year well, going 6-4 in the last 10 games. The addition of Kyle Kuzma at the trade deadline has given Milwaukee another big wing and solid offensive contributor. Finally returning to full strength will bolster the Bucks' postseason chances at another title run with Antetokounmpo in his prime.
MORE BUCKS NEWS: https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/milwaukee-bucks/news/giannis-antetokounmpo-suggestion-playoffs/e418334b1fda96305ca7d970