MILWAUKEE — In a significant boost for the Milwaukee Bucks as they head into the NBA playoffs, star guard Damian Lillard has been cleared of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and is no longer on blood-thinning medication. This news, confirmed by sources to ESPN on April 17, 2025, comes just days before the Bucks are set to face the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on April 19.
Lillard, who has been sidelined since March 25 due to the condition, will miss the opening game but is expected to ramp up his activity in the coming days. The Bucks have announced that the nine-time All-Star will have a period to resume contact workouts, marking a pivotal step in his recovery.
General manager Jon Horst expressed his relief, stating, “We’re thrilled for Dame. Our priority has always been Dame’s health. We’re grateful to our medical team for diagnosing and treating his DVT at an early stage, and for the world-renowned hematology specialists at Mayo Clinic.”
Before his injury, Lillard was averaging an impressive 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game this season. His absence was felt acutely by the Bucks, who managed a 10-4 record in the final stretch of the regular season without him, finishing on an eight-game winning streak. However, the team knows that having Lillard back on the court will be crucial for their playoff ambitions.
Notably, doctors have reported that Lillard's recovery speed is unprecedented, a development that has surprised many in the league. “The recovery is unpredictable and it’s all based on how long it takes for the blood clot to dissolve,” said Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, a cardiologist. “Depending on the person, the time it takes for the blood clot to resolve could be anywhere from three months to a year.”
Despite this uncertainty, Lillard has already participated in a three-on-three session and a full practice with the team on April 17, raising hopes for his potential return in the playoffs. Coach Doc Rivers commented on the situation, saying, “We’re hopeful. We’re just following the protocols, so we’ll see, but we don’t know yet.”
The Bucks' playoff series against the Pacers is poised to be exciting, especially considering that Milwaukee won three of four matchups against Indiana during the regular season, all with Lillard in the lineup. His presence could significantly alter the dynamics of the series.
As the Bucks prepare for Game 1 in Indianapolis, the team is optimistic about Lillard's future contributions. The series will continue on April 22 for Game 2, with Games 3 and 4 scheduled for April 25 and April 27 in Milwaukee, respectively. The Bucks are keen to leverage their momentum and capitalize on Lillard's eventual return to the court.
In summary, while Lillard will not be available for the opening game against the Pacers, the news of his clearance from deep vein thrombosis brings a wave of optimism to the Bucks and their fans. The organization is taking a cautious yet hopeful approach as they navigate the playoffs, eager to see their star player back in action.
