Damian Lillard Cleared of Medical Issues| April 18, 2025

Milwaukee Bucks star Point Guard Damian Lillard has been cleared of a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) he has been dealing with since March 18. When will he return and how will he look on the hardwood?

Damian Lillard To Begin Full Basketball Activity

Damian Lillard has been ruled out for Game 1 of the Milwaukee Bucks’ first-round matchup against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. However, he is expected to increase his workload throughout the upcoming week. He was initially declared out for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, but after being cleared of blood-thinning medication, it is assumed Lillard will make his return sometime in the postseason for Milwaukee.

“We’re thrilled for Dame,” Bucks General Manager Jon Horst said in a statement. “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-renown hematology specialists at Mayo Clinic. Every step of Dame’s recovery has been at the direction of world-class medical professionals and their specific and strict protocols that have allowed for Dame’s safe and healthy return to play.”

Doctors have notified Milwaukee of the recovery speed Lillard has made, reportingly saying, “It’s never been seen before,” but due to early detection and treatment, Lillard is on pace to make a return sometime in the postseason. The Bucks have been playing great basketball with Lillard out of the lineup. Milwaukee has gone 16-8 without their All-Star point guard. Giannis Antetokounmpo has ramped up his play along with the rest of the team. In his last 10 games, Antetokounmpo is averaging all-time numbers with 31. points, 11.7 rebounds, and 9.1 assists.

Final Thoughts

While a healthy Lillard creates a very potent offense for Milwaukee, it can not go without being said that the Bucks look very fluid and well-organized without their main facilitator on the court. Antetokounmpo has never struggled with having the offense run through him, and in the past, that’s how Milwaukee won. But the Pacers can not be underestimated.

Indiana got on a hot streak to end the season. Tyrese Haliburton has been playing his best as of late with averages of 19.8 points and 10 assists. This is going to be a great series regardless, but will Lillard’s injury prove to be too crippling for this matchup?