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Bucks Make Damian Lillard Decision Before Clippers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Feb 20, 2025 6:45 PM ET

Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks were one of the more inconsistent NBA teams entering All-Star Weekend, splitting their last six games 3-3. It did not help that Giannis Antetokounmpo was out for each of those games, dealing with a calf injury he suffered on Feb. 2 against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Following the All-Star break, the Bucks are back in action for the first time on Thursday night, hosting James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Going into the day, Lillard had been ruled questionable against the Clippers with a right hamstring strain. This injury kept the former Portland Trail Blazers point guard out for the most recent matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Feb. 12.

However, just hours before the game, Milwaukee head coach Doc Rivers comfirmed that Lillard will be available against Los Angeles, but he will have a minutes restriction, according to The Athletic's Eric Nehm. The same goes for Giannis.

"Bucks coach Doc Rivers tells reporters that Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard will be available tonight vs. the Clippers, but there will 'probably be minutes restrictions' for both," Nehm wrote on X.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers tells reporters that Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard will be available tonight vs. the Clippers, but there will "probably be minutes restrictions" for both. https://t.co/OjNsmQ2qQB
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) February 20, 2025

Along with Lillard and Giannis, guard Andre Jackson Jr. has also been ruled available after dealing with a wrist sprain. His injury did not keep him out any time.

Lillard and the Bucks struggled to get things going early on in the season, falling to 4-9. They started to find their groove in mid-November and now sit at 29-24 entering the Clippers game. Lillard, in his second season with Milwaukee, is still playing at a high level despite his 34-year-old age, averaging 25.8 points. 4.7 rebounds and 7.5 assists.

Following the Clippers battle, the Bucks will return to the court on Friday, facing the new-look Washington Wizards in the nation's capital.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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