The last time that Damian Lillard appeared in an NBA game for the Milwaukee Bucks was on March 18 against the Golden State Warriors. Ever since then, Lillard has been out.
Shams Charania of ESPN reported on Thursday,
“Amazing: Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard has been cleared of his deep vein thrombosis and is no longer on blood-thinning medication, sources tell ESPN. Lillard is out for Game 1 Saturday against Indiana and will have a period of time to resume contact workouts and ramp up for return.”
This is great news for the Bucks. Game 1 will be on Saturday, April 19 with tipoff scheduled for NOON CT on ESPN. It will be interesting to see if Lillard will return later in the series for the Bucks. In 58 games during the 2024-2025 NBA regular season, he averaged 24.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 7.1 APG, along with shooting 44.8% from the field.
Milwaukee Bucks Fans React To Damian Lillard Potentially Returning
It feels like a major surprise when he announced that Lillard is ready to return. It felt like he was not going to return at all this season for them. Some Bucks fans said on Twitter:
Wow this is amazing news! Also, I think Damian Lillard becomes the FIRST player to comeback in the SAME season from a blood clot
Even better news that he is off blood thinners which increases is risks for internal bleeding a from any blow/trauma
— Dr. Evan Jeffries, DPT (@GameInjuryDoc) April 17, 2025
Makes you wonder if he actually had a DVT (3 months minimum AQ) he’s 3-4 weeks out from the diagnosis. Makes me think he had SVT close to the deep veins and they were being aggressive with treatment (45 days for SVT on AQ)
— DocBrown (@_DocBrown) April 17, 2025
Great to hear he’s cleared. Wishing him a smooth and strong return.
— SportsMaverick (@SportsMaverickX) April 17, 2025
Wow. Bucks in 6 now
— Heat Culture (@HeatCulture13) April 17, 2025
We need Dame Lillard back I need to see him play basketball
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) April 17, 2025
If he does return for the series against the Pacers, there is a chance that Milwaukee could upset Indiana. The Pacers will be favored in the series against the Bucks. However, if Lillard does return at any point in the series, the Pacers may feel the pressure especially if Giannis Antetokounmpo stays healthy also.
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