Damian Lillard got some news that was about as bad as it gets back in March. Injuries that affect your ability to play basketball are one thing. Those that threaten your actual life, are nothing to mess around with.
That's why it was such a gut punch when it was announced that Lillard was dealing with deep vein thrombosis that caused blood clots in his right calf in mid-March. But, against all odds, could he really already be healthy enough to return for the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night for Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers?
Because of his diagnosis, Lillard was forced to miss the final 14 games of the season—and there was worry he'd miss a lot more. After all, blood clots are serious, and they have forced players into retirement before, most notably Chris Bosh.
Lillard averaged 24.9 points with a sparkling 45/38/92 shooting slash line this year, all up from his first season with Milwaukee. His absence in the playoffs was a death nell hanging over the head of the Bucks. But perhaps not for long.
Damian Lillard Game 2 status revealed
Reports over the last week of his miraculous and unprecedentedly speedy recovery from the thrombosis suggested that he was expected to return for either Game 2 or 3, per Shams Charania last week.
On Monday, TNT's Chris Haynes reported that Lillard had been bumped up to questionable for Tuesday's matchup. On the morning of the game, Charania finally broke the news Bucks fans have been waiting for since March 18: Lillard is ready to roll for Game 2.
"Milwaukee's Damian Lillard will return to action tonight in Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers."
Milwaukee's Damian Lillard will return to action tonight in Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers. https://t.co/iTdgEQO9mA
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 22, 2025
And his return comes not a moment too soon. Before an eight-game winning streak sans Lillard to finish the regular season, the Bucks had been 8-8 without the perennial All-Star guard. It was clear they were missing him more than they knew in Game 1.
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Giannis had another vintage performance with 34 points and 12 boards—but he only had one assist. That's because the rest of the team went 34 percent from the field. That included goose eggs from not one, but two different starters for the Bucks in Kyle Kuzma and Taurean Prince in the 117-98 loss.
Lillard's presence on the floor will create spacing that makes it easier on the rest. Not to mention that after a season of back-and-forth trash talk with the Pacers—and opposing PG Tyrese Haliburton in particular—Lillard will ensure that Tuesday night's Game 2 showdown in Indiana coincides with 'Dame Time'.
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