Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard suffered a significant setback during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night, April 27, 2025. Just 6:11 into the first quarter, Lillard went down with a left lower leg injury while attempting to secure a loose ball. The seven-time All-NBA player was behind the three-point line when the ball came his way, and in an effort to tip it to teammate Gary Trent Jr., he fell to the ground, clutching his ankle.
After remaining on the court for a brief moment, Lillard was unable to put any weight on his left leg and had to be helped off the floor by teammate Kyle Kuzma. The Bucks quickly ruled him out for the remainder of the game, announcing via their official X account that Lillard would not return due to the injury.
"Damian Lillard (left lower leg injury) will not return to tonight's game," the Bucks stated, leaving fans and teammates concerned about the severity of the situation. Lillard is set to undergo an MRI on Monday, April 28, and the team is expected to have more information regarding his condition shortly thereafter.
This injury comes on the heels of Lillard's recent return from a serious health issue. He had missed the final 14 games of the regular season due to deep vein thrombosis in his right leg, a condition that involves a blood clot blocking blood flow. Lillard was cleared to return to full basketball activities at the end of the regular season and made his comeback in Game 2 of this playoff series on April 22, 2025.
However, his performance in the playoffs has been less than stellar, as he averaged just 10.5 points and 6.0 assists on 24% shooting (6 of 25) in the first two games of the series against the Pacers. In Game 4, Lillard had missed both of his shot attempts before his injury.
Milwaukee currently trails the series 2-1, and Lillard's absence could have significant implications for the team's chances of advancing in the playoffs. The Bucks are facing a tough challenge against the Pacers, who have shown resilience and skill throughout the series.
The injury raises concerns not only for the Bucks' playoff aspirations but also for Lillard's long-term health. Speculation has emerged regarding the possibility of a more serious injury, with some reports suggesting a potential Achilles tear. However, until the MRI results are released, the extent of Lillard's injury remains uncertain.
As the Bucks prepare for the next game, they will have to adjust their strategy without one of their star players. The team has relied heavily on Lillard's scoring and playmaking abilities, and his absence will put additional pressure on teammates like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton to step up.
The Bucks have had a tumultuous season, and Lillard's injury adds another layer of complexity to their playoff journey. The team will be looking for a quick recovery and hopes to have their star player back on the court soon. For now, all eyes are on the MRI results as fans hold their breath, hoping for good news.
In the meantime, the Bucks' coaching staff will need to devise a game plan that can compensate for Lillard's absence. The next game will be crucial for Milwaukee, and the team must rally together to overcome this challenge. As the series continues, the resilience of the Bucks will be tested, and how they respond to Lillard's injury could very well determine the outcome of their playoff run.
