Milwaukee Receive Unexpected Damian Lillard Injury Update Ahead Of Play-offs

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard has been out since late March after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his right calf. 

As a result, he will miss the start of the NBA Playoffs, including the Bucks' first-round series against the Indiana Pacers, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Lillard has, however, made significant progress with the blood clot and there remains optimism for his clearance at some point in the playoffs, sources said. He is continuing to increase basketball activity this week. https://t.co/NqriR7quSL

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 15, 2025

However, there is optimism about Lillard’s potential return later in the postseason. Bucks general manager Jon Horst expressed confidence in the guard’s progress, stating:

"Damian’s latest scan shows significant improvement in his injury, allowing him to safely ramp up basketball activities. His health remains our top priority, and we’ve followed—and will continue to follow—strict medical protocols. We’re encouraged by his positive trajectory."

With Lillard unavailable, Giannis Antetokounmpo will need to shoulder more of the offensive burden. However, the Pacers have strong defenders in Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner, who can disrupt Antetokounmpo’s drives and make scoring more challenging.

Lillard’s absence is particularly impactful because his elite shot creation and scoring would have alleviated pressure on Antetokounmpo—a key reason Milwaukee acquired him from Portland in September 2023.

Adding to the uncertainty is Antetokounmpo’s long-term future with the franchise. Given that he also missed last year’s entire first-round series against Indiana, there’s a chance fans may never see the duo play together in a playoff game. 

Image - Benny Sieu-Imagn