Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard has been given the all-clear from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf, paving the way for his return to basketball activities.
The 34-year-old guard will miss Game 1 of the Bucks’ first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers but is expected to resume contact workouts and ramp up his preparation for a comeback.
Lillard, who had been undergoing treatment with blood-thinning medications, is now off the regimen.
Bucks general manager Jon Horst expressed his relief and gratitude for the medical team, saying, “Our priority has always been Dame’s health. We’re thrilled for him and grateful for the world-class specialists at Mayo Clinic for their early diagnosis and treatment.”
DVT, which involves blood clot formation within a blood vessel, had sidelined Lillard during the latter stages of the season. It is the second such diagnosis in the NBA this year, after San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama experienced the condition in his shoulder earlier this season.
Despite Lillard’s absence, Milwaukee enters the playoffs in stellar form, riding an eight-game winning streak and finishing 10-4 without their star guard in their last 14 regular-season games.
The nine-time All-Star ended the regular season ranked 10th in both scoring (24.9 points per game) and assists (7.1), reinforcing his pivotal role in the Bucks’ lineup.
The Bucks have endured a history of injuries to key players in recent postseasons, most notably Khris Middleton’s absence during the 2022 Eastern Conference semifinals and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s setbacks over the past two playoff campaigns.
