Milwaukee Bucks star guard Damian Lillard has been diagnosed with “deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot) in his right calf,” as announced by the team.
The positive aspect noted in the press release is that “Lillard is currently on blood-thinning medication, which has helped stabilize the blood clot, and he will undergo regular evaluations.”
Despite this, he is sidelined indefinitely, representing a significant setback for the Bucks, who were anticipating a strong playoff run.
On paper, the pairing of Lillard with Giannis Antetokounmpo positions the Bucks as serious title contenders. However, injuries have thwarted their potential, with Giannis sidelined in the postseason last year and now Lillard facing a similar setback.
“The health of Damian is our top priority,” stated Bucks general manager Jon Horst. “We will provide him with the necessary support as he navigates this weekly process of stringent criteria to determine when it is safe for him to return to the court. The medical team has indicated that the likelihood of this recurring is very low. We are grateful that this issue was detected and treated promptly, which will aid in his recovery.”
Nonetheless, a timeline for Lillard’s return remains unclear.