The NBA playoffs are officially underway, and the Milwaukee Bucks are facing a crucial moment as they take on the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of their first-round series. However, the Bucks will be without their star guard, Damian Lillard, who is sidelined due to a serious health issue.
Damian Lillard, a nine-time All-Star, has not played since March 18, 2025, after being diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) blood clot in his right calf. The diagnosis, which was revealed on March 25, forced Lillard to miss the final 14 games of the regular season while undergoing treatment and taking blood-thinning medication.
Despite the setback, there is a glimmer of hope for Bucks fans. Recent reports from ESPN's Shams Charania indicate that Lillard is expected to return to action during the series against the Pacers, potentially as early as Game 2 on April 22 or Game 3 on April 25. "The Bucks expect Damian Lillard to return in Game 2 or Game 3," Charania stated during the pregame show on April 19.
Lillard's absence is a significant blow for the Bucks, who are looking to avenge last year's playoff defeat to the Pacers, where they were eliminated in a tight six-game series. This year, the Pacers hold the home-court advantage, having secured the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, while the Bucks are seeded No. 5.
In Lillard's absence, the Bucks will rely on Ryan Rollins, who has stepped up as the starting guard. The team is confident, having won three of their four regular-season matchups against the Pacers with Lillard in the lineup. Without him, the Bucks face a challenging task as they aim to advance in the postseason.
When asked about his health and the potential return to the court, Lillard expressed a mix of gratitude and caution. "Obviously, there are people with way worse issues than I've dealt with, so I don't want to be dramatic about it, but you just never know when something could come up and change your life," he said on April 18.
The situation surrounding Lillard's health has been closely monitored, as his recovery from a blood clot is unprecedented in the league. Bucks officials stated that Lillard's recovery "has never been seen before," highlighting the unique nature of his condition and treatment. If he manages to return during these playoffs, he would be the first player in 10 years to come back in the same season after a DVT diagnosis.
As the Bucks prepare for Game 1, the focus remains on the team’s performance without their star player. The game is set to tip off at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 19, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana. The Bucks will need a total team effort to compete against a determined Pacers squad.
Looking ahead, the Bucks have a challenging schedule, with Game 2 scheduled for April 22 at 7 p.m. and Game 3 on April 25 at 8 p.m. The pressure is on as the Bucks aim to make a statement against the Pacers and prove they are a better team than the one that fell short last year.
In the meantime, Lillard continues to ramp up his conditioning in anticipation of his return. He has been cleared to resume full basketball activities, but he is taking a cautious approach to ensure he is fully ready when he steps back onto the court.
As the playoffs progress, all eyes will be on Lillard’s recovery and the Bucks’ performance. If he can return sooner rather than later, it could change the entire trajectory of the series. For now, the Bucks must focus on the task at hand and find a way to secure a win against the Pacers, setting the stage for a potential comeback with Lillard back in the lineup.
With the stakes high and the playoffs in full swing, the Milwaukee Bucks are ready to fight for their chance at a championship, but they will need to do so without one of their key players in the opening game. Can they rise to the occasion and secure a vital win against the Pacers? Only time will tell.
The Bucks and Pacers rivalry has intensified over the years, with both teams eager to prove their worth in the postseason. The Bucks are determined to show that they can overcome adversity, and with Lillard’s possible return on the horizon, there is hope for a successful playoff run.
As the action unfolds, fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on Lillard's status and the outcome of the series. Will the Bucks find a way to advance without their star guard, or will the Pacers once again prove to be their kryptonite? The answers lie ahead as the NBA playoffs continue to bring excitement and drama.
