Damian Lillard is set to make his highly anticipated return to the court for the Milwaukee Bucks as they face the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on April 22, 2025. After being sidelined for over a month due to a serious health scare involving deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, Lillard's comeback is a beacon of hope for a Bucks team that struggled in their playoff opener, losing 117-98.
The 34-year-old guard, a nine-time All-Star, announced his intention to play following the team’s morning shootaround, stating confidently, "Yeah, I’m playing." Lillard's last appearance was on March 18 against the Golden State Warriors, where he initially dealt with what was thought to be leg soreness. However, after further medical evaluation, he was diagnosed with a blood clot, leading to a month-long recovery period.
In the days leading up to his return, Lillard's situation improved remarkably, with sources indicating that his recovery was unprecedented. "The speed of Lillard's recovery has never been seen before," reported ESPN, highlighting the swift actions taken by the Bucks' medical team that included putting him on blood thinners and monitoring his condition closely.
Despite missing the last 14 games of the regular season and the first playoff game, Lillard's presence is crucial for the Bucks. In Game 1, Milwaukee struggled significantly, managing just 98 points, with star Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring 36 of those. The rest of the starting lineup combined for only 14 points, showcasing the urgent need for Lillard's offensive prowess.
Before his injury, Lillard was averaging an impressive 24.9 points and 7.1 assists per game, and his ability to create shots and stretch the floor will be invaluable against the Pacers. The Bucks acquired Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers before the 2023-2024 season, and this will be the first time he and Antetokounmpo take the floor together in the playoffs.
"Playoff Giannis and Dame loading..." the Bucks teased on social media, reflecting the excitement surrounding their star duo's debut in the postseason. The Bucks finished the regular season with a 49-33 record, securing the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, but they fell short in the playoffs last year, losing to the Pacers in the first round.
Lillard's return comes at a critical juncture. The Bucks have a chance to tie the series before heading back to Milwaukee for Game 3. "I don’t think it’s ever going to be perfect when you miss that much time and then you’re kind of back into an intense environment," Lillard acknowledged. "But I’ve got to go out there and break myself in, and I think that’s better to do early in the series than later."
As he prepares to step back onto the court, Lillard has been proactive, engaging in workouts and maintaining his conditioning during his time off. "I was able to lift, which was good because I was able to keep my body strong," he said. While he may experience some rust, Lillard is ready to contribute immediately, albeit with some caution regarding his physical condition.
"It’s really just how I feel," he explained. "I’m going to be communicating to Doc [Rivers] how I’m feeling. There’s no real way to simulate being in an NBA game, let alone a playoff game, so I’m really just going in with intentions to be out there with the team and I’m going to give everything that I got."
Meanwhile, the Pacers are aware of the added challenge Lillard presents. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle commented on Lillard's potential return, saying, "We have experience playing against him … both during the season and last year in the playoffs. We’re familiar with his greatness and all the things that he does to make a game very difficult for the opponent."
With Lillard back in the lineup, the Bucks are optimistic about their chances to even the series. The team will also benefit from two days off before Game 3, allowing Lillard to further acclimate himself to game conditions. Milwaukee fans are eager to see how the combination of Lillard and Antetokounmpo will perform together in the postseason, hoping to lead the team deep into the playoffs.
The stakes are high as the Bucks look to bounce back from their Game 1 defeat. Lillard's return could be the spark they need to ignite their playoff run and finally secure that elusive championship title. As the game approaches, all eyes will be on the court to see if Lillard can shake off the rust and lead his team to victory.
