Milwaukee Could Get Major Boost As Damian Lillard Eyes Early Series Comeback

The Milwaukee Bucks may be getting a massive and unexpected boost in their first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Just minutes before Game 1 tipped off, ESPN’s Shams Charania dropped a significant update on NBA Countdown: Damian Lillard could be back much sooner than anyone anticipated.

"Bucks star Damian Lillard is expected to make his return in game two in Indianapolis on Tuesday or game three against the Indiana Pacers at home in Milwaukee on Friday." 

"Sources tell me and he's been doing full contact workouts since Thursday when he was cleared from that blood clot. Now it's just about ramping up conditioning, gaining basketball stamina."

"He's been out for over a month since he was diagnosed. And doctors really told the Bucks that this recovery was unprecedented. This had never been seen before. In just over 3 and 1 1⁄2 weeks to return from a blood clot, get off blood thinners."

"And then the second part is the clot size. They were able to treat it, get it, and now reduce it to where it's shrunk completely. He's made an unprecedented return and now he's on the cusp of making his comeback."

Lillard has been sidelined since March 18 after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his right calf. The initial reaction from the team and medical staff was cautious, and expectations were that the seven-time All-Star might be out for most or all of the first round. However, his recovery has been described as nothing short of unprecedented.

Lillard’s potential return in the early stages of this series would be a seismic development for the Bucks. Without him, Milwaukee has had to rely heavily on Giannis Antetokounmpo to carry the offensive and playmaking load. 

While the two-time MVP is more than capable of dominating on his own, the absence of Lillard removes a critical dimension to the Bucks' halfcourt attack.

In a league where perimeter shot creation becomes crucial in the postseason, having Lillard back, even if not at 100%, changes the calculus for both teams. His ability to space the floor, attack off the dribble, and deliver in clutch moments makes him one of the most dangerous playoff performers in recent memory. 

And considering the Pacers have struggled defensively against elite guards all season, his return could tilt the momentum heavily in Milwaukee’s favor.

Game 1 was always going to be a test of Giannis’ ability to carry the team solo. Milwaukee will lean into his scoring, transition play, and defensive presence to try and take the early lead in the series. But the looming presence of Lillard’s comeback gives the Bucks confidence that reinforcements are on the way.

Before the injury, Lillard was averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. His pairing with Giannis, while still finding its rhythm, was showing signs of becoming a lethal combination late in the season. If he returns in Game 2 or 3, it won’t just be a boost—it might become the defining turning point of this series.

For the Pacers, the urgency to take Game 1 has now intensified. Because once Dame returns, this series may look entirely different.