Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard is expected to rejoin his team for their first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Sources indicate Lillard could return as early as Game 2 or Game 3 next week.
Lillard was recently cleared of deep vein thrombosis and stopped blood-thinning medication, according to sources. This diagnosis, a blood clot in his right calf, had sidelined him for over three weeks.
His recovery timeline is described as unprecedented by league observers. Lillard missed Game 1 of the series, a loss for the Bucks in Indianapolis.
Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday in Indianapolis. The series then shifts to Milwaukee for Game 3 on Friday.
Bucks General Manager Jon Horst expressed satisfaction with Lillard's health progress. "Our priority has always been Dame's health," Horst said, adding that recovery followed strict medical protocols.
Lillard had been out since mid-March with the calf issue. Earlier in the month, coach Doc Rivers indicated increased optimism the All-Star guard would play this season. The team stated earlier in the week that recent scans showed significant improvement, allowing him to increase basketball activity.
Without Lillard, the Bucks finished the regular season strong, going 10-4 and winning eight straight. However, his absence was felt in the Game 1 playoff defeat.
The Pacers present a challenge for Milwaukee. Indiana's offense ranks high, and players like Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam have performed well. The Pacers previously eliminated the Bucks when Giannis Antetokounmpo was injured last season.
While Giannis Antetokounmpo can carry the scoring load, Lillard's return provides needed offense against a high-scoring Indiana team. A video analysis discusses the impact of Lillard's absence on the Bucks in the series.
The Bucks organization is pleased with Lillard's positive progress toward returning to playoff action.
