Bucks star Damian Lillard, who was identified with deep vein thrombosis in his proper calf final month, has made “vital progress” in his restoration however received’t be obtainable when the primary spherical of the playoffs tip off this weekend, reports Shams Charania of ESPN.
As Charania particulars, there’s nonetheless optimism that Lillard will likely be medically cleared to return in some unspecified time in the future earlier than Milwaukee’s season ends. The star level guard will proceed to extend his basketball actions this week.
The Bucks confirmed Charania’s replace, as Eric Nehm of The Athletic relays.
“Damian’s most up-to-date weekly scan exhibits that his harm has considerably improved, which is able to allow him to maneuver forward safely with elevated basketball exercise,” normal supervisor Jon Horst mentioned in a press release. “Damian’s well being stays our No. 1 precedence. We have now adopted strict protocols and can proceed to take action. We’re happy with the constructive information about Damian’s progress.”
Lillard has been on the shelf since March 18. Reporting one week later indicated that he had been identified with a blood clot in his calf and was on blood-thinning medicine. He was dominated out indefinitely at the moment, with one report stating there was a “nice deal of optimism” that he’d be capable of return in some unspecified time in the future this spring.
Well being points have contributed to the Bucks’ first-round exit in every of the final two postseasons. Giannis Antetokounmpo has solely been obtainable for 3 of 11 playoff video games throughout that point, and Lillard was pressured to the sidelines for 2 video games in final yr’s first-round loss to Indiana.
Whereas Antetokounmpo is wholesome coming into this yr’s rematch with the Pacers, not having Lillard obtainable figures to adversely have an effect on the Bucks’ probabilities of advancing to Spherical 2.
Lillard earned his ninth All-Star nod in his second season in Milwaukee in 2024-25, averaging 24.9 factors, 7.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 36.1 minutes per sport throughout 58 begins. He recorded a capturing line of .448/.376/.921, bettering on the chances he posted throughout his first yr as a Buck in 2023-24.
