Dame Lillard’s miraculous recovery: Will he be ready for the playoff series against the Pacers?
Lillard has been on the injury list for a while, with fans hoping he’ll finally be ready for the key part of the season.
Damian Lillard has been out of action for the Milwaukee Bucks since mid-March, although it feels like a lifetime for fans. Now, we’ve got an injury update, and it’s good news: the 34-year-old has been cleared of deep vein thrombosis in his right calf and is no longer taking blood-thinning medication.
Despite this cause for celebration, the team are taking no risks and he will not feature in Game 1 of the playoffs, per ESPN.
Bucks GM Jon Horst said he was “thrilled” for Lillard, adding that ”our priority has always been Dame’s health. Every step of Dame’s recovery has been at the direction of world-class medical professionals and their specific and strict protocols that have allowed for Dame’s safe and healthy return to play.”
Lillard has made ‘significant improvement’ on leg issue
While it is evidently good news, there is no exact date for his return to the court and the Bucks, as mentioned, are proceeding with caution. As a result, his participation in Games 2 and 3 are not confirmed.
In a statement, the Bucks said that Lillard had made “significant improvement” on his calf issue adding that he “will continue to increase his on-court basketball activity.”
Bucks' statement on Lillard's injury progress:
UPDATE: 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.
“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,” said Bucks General Manager Jon Horst.
“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 team will continue to provide updates as appropriate.
Without their star guard, the team have rallied and finished the season in a hugely positive way, going 10-4 over their final games and closing out the season having racked up an impressive eight-game winning streak.
UPDATE: 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.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 15, 2025
“Damian’s most recent weekly scan shows that his injury has significantly improved which will enable him to move…
Before his injury during the 2024–25 NBA season, Lillard played 58 games, averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game.He shot 44.8% from the field, 37.6% from three-point range, and an impressive 92.1% from the free-throw line.
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