April 17: Although Lillard has been ruled out for Game 1 of the Bucks/Pacers series on Saturday, he has been cleared of his deep vein thrombosis and is no longer taking blood-thinning medication, sources tell Charania (Twitter links). It’s a remarkable turnaround for the veteran point guard, who will resume contact workouts and ramp up toward a return, Charania adds.
According to Sam Amick and Eric Nehm of The Athletic (Twitter links), Lillard played three-on-three on Wednesday and practiced on Thursday.
April 15: Bucks star Damian Lillard, who was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf last month, has made “significant progress” in his recovery but won’t be available when the first round of the playoffs tip off this weekend, reports Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter links).
As Charania details, there’s still optimism that Lillard will be medically cleared to return at some point before Milwaukee’s season ends. The star point guard will continue to increase his basketball activities this week.
The Bucks confirmed Charania’s update, as Eric Nehm of The Athletic relays (via Twitter).
“Damian’s most recent weekly scan shows that his injury has significantly improved, which will enable him to move ahead safely with increased basketball activity,” general manager Jon Horst said in a statement. “Damian’s health remains our No. 1 priority. We have followed strict protocols and will continue to do so. We are pleased with the positive news about Damian’s progress.”
Lillard has been on the shelf since March 18. Reporting one week later indicated that he had been diagnosed with a blood clot in his calf and was on blood-thinning medication. He was ruled out indefinitely at that time, with one report stating there was a “great deal of optimism” that he’d be able to return at some point this spring.
Health issues have contributed to the Bucks’ first-round exit in each of the last two postseasons. Giannis Antetokounmpo has only been available for three of 11 playoff games during that time, and Lillard was forced to the sidelines for two games in last year’s first-round loss to Indiana.
While Antetokounmpo is healthy entering this year’s rematch with the Pacers, not having Lillard available figures to adversely affect the Bucks’ chances of advancing to round two.
Lillard earned his ninth All-Star nod in his second season in Milwaukee in 2024/25, averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 36.1 minutes per game across 58 starts. He recorded a shooting line of .448/.376/.921, improving on the percentages he posted during his first year as a Buck in ’23/24.
More of the same for Milwaukee. Seems inevitable Giannis will ask for a trade in the next year or two
The Bucks and injured players in the playoffs……
I know he’s a total jerk, but Kevin Porter has been balling out since Lilliard went down.
Huh? Are you implying Porter had something to do with it?
You used to be better at trolling.
Huh? “No” works if that’s you’re answer. Being rude gets you nowhere with me
Way better. The whole wonder what was in the locker was good for example.
This is pedestrian.
You know what you remind me of the guy from my church league. All of these sort of backhanded compliments and passive aggressive insults to curry favor with the pastor. The pastor loves everyone so it’s pointless. Well he obviously has favorites but it’s not the same. Anyway I don’t know who you are sucking up to or trying to be cool in front of but newsflash it’s not working. So why don’t you just take some deep breathes and realize it’s gonna be ok
TLDR bro.
Try and rework it a bit, cut some fat you know?
@Luke Adams red blinking ad on top of your site is super irritating new feature – could you please remove that
For the price of a cup of coffee per month, you can get rid of all the ads, even the red blinking ones.
Man I thought there was no way a clot could clear that fast. It would be crazy if he plays early in the first series
In such highly competitive sports makes you wonder if we’re getting the whole story.
Idk the science but is it possible thinner blood will allow you to jump higher/travel up and down the court faster because you weigh a little bit less? Just odd that Wemby is still recovering from the same issue but Dame is magically OK. Not saying he’s a cheater but does make me stop for a sec
A little better. But it’s still pretty obvious you’re trolling.
It’s sad what lil dunker has become.
Ok
This is completely insane. Literally risking his life…or maybe he never had it to start with. 3 weeks is pure insanity.