MILWAUKEE — Damian Lillard Cleared of Blood Clot, Status for Playoffs Uncertain
The Milwaukee Bucks announced on Thursday that guard Damian Lillard has been cleared of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf and has discontinued his blood-thinning medication. Despite this positive news, Lillard will miss Game 1 of the Bucks’ first-round playoff series versus the Indiana Pacers, and his availability for Game 2 remains uncertain.
According to league sources, Lillard participated in a three-on-three practice session on Wednesday and fully engaged in the team’s Thursday practice. Bucks coach Doc Rivers shared, “Today, he did everything. There are no limitations at all, other than his conditioning and timing.”
However, Rivers noted that Thursday’s practice lacked extensive five-on-five drills, making it difficult to estimate the timeline for Lillard’s full return. “You can’t just jump back in after missing so much. It’s going to take some time,” he said. “He’s been injured without the chance to work out, which makes recovery challenging.”
Lillard’s quick recovery from a blood clot is notable, marking one of the fastest returns from DVT in NBA history. The 33-year-old was diagnosed with the condition on March 25.
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, a cardiologist, explained that recovery can vary widely, taking anywhere from three months to a year for the blood clot to resolve. He acknowledged the difficulty in providing a timeline for athletes affected by such conditions.
Having missed the last 14 regular-season games, Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists in 58 games this season. Rivers emphasized the importance of Lillard’s health, celebrating the resolution of his DVT while still acknowledging the lack of a clear return timeline.
With the Bucks facing the Pacers in their playoff series beginning Saturday in Indianapolis, Lillard’s presence on the court will be crucial for a deep playoff run. Backup point guard Kevin Porter Jr. expressed hope for Lillard’s recovery, stating, “We just want him back whenever he’s ready because we know his value to the team.”
