Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard received devastating news this week as the Bucks guard has been ruled out indefinitely.
On Tuesday, It was announced that Damian Lillard will miss time after suffering a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). While no timetable is certain, the news comes just weeks before the NBA playoffs will begin.
The news comes as a shock, since Lillard missed the last three matchups against the Lakers, Kings, and Suns with calf soreness. What initially was thought to be a casual injury turned into a potential dangerous one. According to ESPNs Shams Charania, Lillard seemingly caught the blood clot early, and is on blood-thinning medication.
Milwaukee Bucks: Damian Lillard has sustained a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) in his right calf. Lillard is on blood-thinning medication, which has stabilized the blood clot, and will continue with regular testing. He is out indefinite period. pic.twitter.com/CC7k9bXnZV
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 26, 2025
Damian Lilliard Remains Optimistic About His Return
40-31, the Bucks are the current No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference. 4-6 in their last ten games, the injury will certainly affect Milwaukee. Under head coach Doc Rivers, this is a championship hungry team. Bounced from the first round of the playoffs the last two years, the Bucks are looking for their first Larry O’Brien trophy since the 2020-2021 season.
Although the injury comes at a critical time, there is optimism the 9-time NBA All-Star will return to the court this season.
“There’s still optimism at this time that Dame [Lillard] is going to play again and at some point this season,” said Jamal Collier.
Confirming Lillard has been taking blood-thinners since last week, the Bucks will continue to monitor the California native’s health condition.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen athletes diagnosed with a Deep Vein Thrombosis. Earlier this season, Spurs sensation Victor Wembanyama was shut down for the remainder of the season with the same ailment. Several other hoopers have been affected by DVTs, including Brandon Ingram, and Chris Bosh, who was forced to retire early.
The Impact of Lillard’s Absence on the Bucks
If Lillard were to return, the Bucks have heavily relied on both No.0 and Giannis Antetokounmpo to carry the offense. Not only is Lillard the Bucks second leading scorer (24.9 PPG), he leads the team in assists (7.1 APG), and steals (1.7). Averaging 4.7 rebounds, Lillard is a crucial piece of the team’s success considering he makes up nearly 22 percent of the team’s total offense.
Fortunately, the Bucks have a relatively easy schedule for their last 11 games. Despite challenging matchups ahead against the Knicks, Nuggets, Timberwolves, and Pistons, the Bucks will attempt to stay afloat. A two game lead over the Pacers leaves themselves sitting comfortably in the No.4 seed, for now. The backcourt duo of Ryan Rollins and Taureen Prince doesn’t exactly equate to the lethal duo of Lillard and Antetokounmpo.
Given the Pacers, Hawks, and Pistons stellar play, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bucks slide into a Play-In Tournament spot. Especially with Giannis out tonight, the Bucks hopes of a deep playoff run look bleak.
Damian Lillard’s Health Is The Top Priority
Although Milwaukee hasn’t been the powerhouse it’s dreamt to be, Lillard has bounced back from a tumultuous first season in Milwaukee. With substantial increases in shooting percentages, his usage was just as high as the previous season.
Damian Lillard to me on his diagnosis:“It’s unfortunate that something outside of my control would come up. Along with the Bucks’ medical staff, our priorities are to protect my health and safety. As much as I love basketball, I need to be there for my kids and my family. I’m…
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 26, 2025
This isn’t the first time Lillard’s injuries have put a hiccup in the Bucks playoff plans. Although bounced by the Pacers in the first round of the playoffs last season, how can we forget Lillards 35 first half points in game one? Ultimately conceding to the Pacers in the series, Lillard missed games four and five with an achiles injury.
Since the announcement emerged, Damian Lillard has since broken his silence on his health prognosis.
“It’s unfortunate that something outside of my control would come up.” Lillard told Chris Haynes. “Along with the Bucks’ medical staff, our priorities are to protect my health and safety. As much as I love basketball, I need to be there for my kids and my family. I’m grateful the Bucks acted quickly on this. They’ve been supportive and proactive throughout this process. I look forward to moving past this and continuing my career.”
Above all else, Lillards mental and physical health is most important. He may be one of the x-factors on the Bucks, however, you can’t put a price on health. Meanwhile, the entire basketball world is wishing Damian Lillard a healthy and speedy recovery.
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Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator, and Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on Women’s Basketball and the NBA. Sara Jane currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Connecticut.
