Damian Lillard injury fears confirmed, putting next season in jeopardy

Damian Lillard suffered an injury during the Milwaukee Bucks’ game against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night that was believed to be serious, and those suspicions have since been confirmed.

Lillard has been diagnosed with a torn left Achilles tendon, according to EPN’s Shams Charania.

Lillard suffered the injury through the first quarter of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series between the Bucks and Pacers at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. The veteran point guard tried to push off to go for a rebound, but his leg gave out. He had the look of someone who knew they had just sustained a significant injury.

The 34-year-old Lillard was playing in only his third game back since he returned from a blood clot issue. He will now have to recover from a brutal injury that will put his 2025-26 season in jeopardy.

The Bucks lost to the Pacers 129-103 in Game 3 to fall behind 3-1 in the series. Their chances of winning three straight without Lillard are very slim.

Lillard, who was traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to Milwaukee in September 2023, averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game this season.