Bucks to Begin Playoffs Without Damian Lillard as Star Guard Recovers from Blood Clot

The Milwaukee Bucks will be without their star point guard Damian Lillard as they open the 2024 NBA Playoffs, with the seven-time All-Star still sidelined due to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf.

Lillard hasn’t played since March 18, and the team officially revealed his diagnosis on March 25, describing the issue as a blood clot in his lower leg. While recent medical scans show promising improvement, the Bucks have confirmed he won’t be ready in time for the start of their first-round series against the Indiana Pacers, which tips off Saturday in Indianapolis.

“Damian’s most recent weekly scan shows that his injury has significantly improved which will enable him to move ahead safely with increased basketball activity,” said Bucks general manager Jon Horst in a statement released Tuesday. “Damian’s health remains our No. 1 priority. We have followed strict protocols and will continue to do so. We are pleased with the positive news about Damian’s progress.”

Lillard, 34, wrapped up the regular season averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game across 58 starts in his second year with the Bucks. Despite missing significant time, he remained one of Milwaukee’s top scoring and playmaking options.

With Giannis Antetokounmpo also nursing a calf injury, the Bucks will need others to step up in Lillard’s absence, especially against a fast-paced Indiana Pacers team that thrives in transition and can stretch defenses with their shooting.

The Bucks still managed to finish the regular season on a high note, riding an eight-game winning streak to secure a 48-34 record, good for the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. But without Lillard’s veteran leadership and clutch scoring, Milwaukee’s road through the postseason becomes significantly more challenging.

Lillard, who spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers, has long been one of the NBA’s most dependable postseason performers. In 71 career playoff games, he’s averaged nearly 25 points per game, including numerous late-game heroics that have become his trademark.

Milwaukee will hope that Lillard’s ramp-up in basketball activity allows him to return later in the series — or potentially in later rounds — should the Bucks advance. For now, the team must lean on its depth and experience to fill the void as Lillard continues his recovery.

Game 1 against Indiana tips off this Saturday, with the Bucks aiming to hold the fort until their All-Star floor general is back on the court.