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The Milwaukee Bucks will have to push forward without one of their biggest stars, Damian Lillard, for the foreseeable future. The veteran point guard has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his calf, a serious medical condition that has ruled him out indefinitely.
With only 11 games left in the regular season, the timing couldn’t be worse. The Bucks are in a solid playoff position, currently sitting as the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference. However, their chances of making a deep playoff run could take a major hit if Damian Lillard remains sidelined.
This is the second high-profile case of deep vein thrombosis in the NBA this season , Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama was diagnosed with a similar condition in his shoulder back in February and was shut down for the remainder of the season.
How Long Will Damian Lillard Be Out?
Damian Lillard last played on March 24 in a tight two-point loss to the Phoenix Suns. The diagnosis came the following day, and he was immediately ruled out indefinitely. While the team hasn’t set a timeline for his return, there is some optimism that he could come back before the end of the season—assuming he doesn’t experience any setbacks.
The Bucks released an official statement confirming that Damian Lillard is on blood-thinning medication and will undergo regular testing. While the hope is that he can recover in time for the playoffs, it remains uncertain whether he will be able to rejoin the team in time to make an impact.
Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
DVT is a type of blood clot that forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the legs. In Damian Lillard’s case, the clot has developed in his calf. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms can include pain, warmth, and tenderness in the affected area.
The main concern with DVT is that the clot could potentially break loose and travel to other parts of the body, which can lead to serious complications. That risk is why Lillard has been sidelined indefinitely and why doctors will closely monitor his condition before allowing him to return to action.
How Damian Lillard’s absence impacts the bucks
Damian Lillard has been a key piece of Milwaukee’s success this season, averaging 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game. Losing a player of his caliber at such a crucial point in the season could make it difficult for the Bucks to compete with the top teams in the East.
Here’s a look at the Bucks’ upcoming schedule:
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March 26 – at Nuggets
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March 28 – vs. Knicks
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March 30 – vs. Hawks
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April 1 – vs. Suns
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April 5 – at 76ers
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April 6 – at Pelicans
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April 8 – vs. Timberwolves
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April 10 – vs. Pelicans
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April 11 – at Pistons
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April 13 – vs. Pistons
Without Damian Lillard, the team will need players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton to step up and carry the offensive load. The Bucks have the talent to stay competitive, but their path to an NBA Finals appearance just got a lot tougher.
Damian Lillard’s health is the top priority right now, and the Bucks won’t rush him back unless he’s fully recovered. While there’s hope that he can return in time for the playoffs, nothing is guaranteed. If he remains out, Milwaukee will have to find a way to make a deep run without one of their biggest star.