Damian Lillard Injury Update: Milwaukee Bucks’ Star To Miss Start of the NBA Playoffs Due to a Blood Clot
Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard will miss the start of the NBA playoffs due to a blood clot in his right calf, according to a report by Shams Charania of ESPN.
Lillard, who hasn’t played since March 18, was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and has been closely monitored by doctors ever since. Despite the serious nature of the condition, sources say the All-Star guard has made significant progress in recent weeks and there is optimism he could return later in the playoffs, pending medical clearance.
The timing couldn’t be more critical for the Bucks, who are gearing up to face the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of their first-round series on Saturday. Lillard’s absence leaves a major void in Milwaukee’s backcourt as they begin their postseason run.
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In his debut season with the Bucks, Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists across 58 games, forming a high-octane duo with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Jericho Sims Could Make a Return for NBA Playoffs
While Lillard is out, there is hope for help on the way. Jericho Sims, who underwent right thumb surgery in March and hasn’t played since March 16, is trending toward a return for the playoffs. Head coach Doc Rivers recently said, “I really don’t know. I know he’s feeling better, but the timeline has not changed. We’re just hopeful for the playoffs.”
Initial reports suggested Sims would be back in time for the postseason, and that timeline still appears to hold. In 14 games with the Bucks, the 6-foot-10 big man has averaged 2.4 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 68% from the field.
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