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Damian Lillard's Health Gets Major Update Ahead of Bucks-Pacers Playoff Series

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Evan Massey | Last updated Apr 13, 2025 7:38 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers are set to square off in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Ahead of the series beginning, there are major questions swirling about the health status of star guard Damian Lillard.

Lillard has not played since March 18 due to issues with blood clots. However, there is a major update that has been given about his playoff status.

As shared by Underdog NBA , Shams Charania has reported that Lillard will be able to return at some point during the playoffs. Right now, there is no update about when that clearance will be given exactly.

Shams: Bucks optimistic Damian Lillard (blood clot) will be cleared to return at some point during playoffs.

Lillard has an upcoming exam to determine clearance for postseason play.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) April 13, 2025

There is still hope that the Bucks might get Lillard back at some point against the Pacers.

Indiana is going to be a formidable opponent. Led by Rick Carlisle and Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers are the team that eliminated Milwaukee from the playoffs last year. Getting revenge would be sweet.

During the 2024-25 NBA regular season, Lillard played in 58 games. He averaged 24.9 points per game to go along with 7.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. Lillard also shot 44.8% from the floor overall and knocked down 37.6% of his 3-point attempts.

More updates should become available in the near future. His next exam will help determine when he can get back to playing.

Recently, Lillard spoke out about his NBA future as he has gone through the blood clot issues. He still thinks he has a lot of good baseball left to be played.

“I definitely don’t see myself as somebody who’s just hanging on," he said. "I know I’ll be able to play until I’m 39, 40."

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

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