Damian Lillard Cleared of Blood Clot Ahead of Playoff Return

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The Milwaukee Bucks received promising news Thursday as guard Damian Lillard has been cleared of deep vein thrombosis in his right calf and is no longer on blood-thinning medication, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Lillard, sidelined since March 18, is expected to ramp up his basketball activities but will miss Game 1 of the Bucks’ playoff series against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday.

Doctors have described Lillard’s rapid recovery as unprecedented, attributing it to early treatment and meticulous care from specialists before a formal diagnosis was made. Lillard’s recovery speed has been characterized by doctors as a breakthrough, never before seen in such cases. The Bucks announced earlier this month that he was making significant progress with the shrinking clot and would soon increase his on-court activity, with no definitive timeline given for his return.

“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,” Bucks General Manager Jon Horst said in a statement. “Damian’s health remains our No. 1 priority. We have followed strict protocols and will continue to do so.”

Lillard, a nine-time All-Star, has averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists per game this season before his injury. The Bucks posted a 10-4 record in Lillard’s absence, ending the regular season on an eight-game winning streak, fueled by contributions from other players like reserve guard Kevin Porter Jr.

“We’re excited about his progress. We know how impactful he is on the court,” Bucks Coach Doc Rivers said. “But we’re also prepared for the possibility of him missing the entire postseason. Our approach has to be ready for anything.”

Lillard’s historic turnaround comes amid an increasing number of concerns regarding players’ health conditions relating to blood clots. While previous athletes, such as Chris Bosh, had their careers severely impacted by similar medical issues, Lillard’s case highlights advancements in medical treatments and timely interventions in sports injuries.

As the Bucks prepare for the upcoming playoff series, confidence is building within the team, even as they face the Pacers without their star for at least the opening game. Having Lillard potentially back on the court in the coming weeks could significantly alter the dynamics of the series.