ESPN’s Shams Charania was first to report that Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard will miss the start of the NBA playoffs as he continues to recover from a blood clot in his right calf, per sources.
According to a statement via Bucks General Manager Jon Horst: “Damian Lillard has made significant improvement on his deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. He will continue to increase his on-court basketball activity.The team will continue to provide updates as appropriate … 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. 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.”
The Bucks announced last month that Lillard, 34, would be sidelined indefinitely with the blood clot. The team said at the time that Lillard had been using a blood-thinning medication to stabilize the clot, with Horst adding that the Bucks would “support him as he moves through this weekly process of strict criteria to ensure that it is safe for him to return to play.”
Lillard has not played since March 18, when the condition was first diagnosed. Earlier this month, head coach Doc Rivers expressed optimism about Lillard’s potential return this season. While there is still no confirmed timeline, the Bucks’ latest update leaves the door open for Lillard to possibly return later in the postseason—should Milwaukee advance beyond the first round.
Milwaukee went 10-4 without Lillard, and will rely on Giannis Antetokounmpo to lead the charge against the top-four seeded Pacers squad. The Pacers eliminated the Bucks in last year’s first round, with Antetokounmpo sidelined at the time.
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