Bucks’ Damian Lillard nearing return in NBA playoffs
Milwaukee Bucks star point guard Damian Lillard is set to return after being cleared of his deep vein thrombosis and no longer needs blood-thinning medication.
Although the Bucks didn’t give an exact return date, Lillard is expected to play in the first round of the playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. He didn’t play in Game 1 on Saturday but will take the floor for Game 2 or 3.
“We’re thrilled for Dame,” Bucks general manager Jon Horst said in a statement via ESPN. “Our priority has always been Dame’s health. We’re grateful to our medical team for diagnosing and treating his DVT at an early stage, and for the world-renown hematology specialists at Mayo Clinic. 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 been sidelined since late March after the team announced that he had deep vein thrombosis in his right calf and was receiving blood-thinning medication.
In the weeks that have followed, Lillard continued to make progress, leading to his clearance to play in the playoffs. His return will give the Bucks a significant offensive boost.
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Lillard remains one of the league’s top-scoring guards. In 58 games, he averaged 24.1 points and 7.1 assists while shooting 44.8 percent from the floor and 37.6 percent from beyond the arc.
With the Pacers taking Game 1, it puts more pressure on the Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, to respond, especially with Lillard’s imminent return.
