What was a possibility a month ago, now becomes a reality. According to the latest reports, Damian Lillard will miss the start of the postseason after a blood clot diagnosis in March. The Milwaukee Bucks are playing it carefully, saying he will only be out for the start. But is there any potential for him coming back for a postseason run?
Damian Lillard To Miss Start Of Playoffs
Shams Charania reported that Damian Lillard will surely miss the start of the postseason. However, according to the ESPN insider,
“Lillard has, however, made significant progress with the blood clot and there remains optimism for his clearance at some point in the playoffs, sources said. He is continuing to increase basketball activity this week.”
Lillard has, however, made significant progress with the blood clot and there remains optimism for his clearance at some point in the playoffs, sources said. He is continuing to increase basketball activity this week. https://t.co/NqriR7quSL
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 15, 2025
The Bucks play their first game of the playoffs on Saturday. Lillard has been out since March 18. The Bucks have little to no chance of competing for a title without their second All-Star. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo playing at an unreal level since Lillard went out, the Bucks need a second star. When and how Lillard returns, remains to be seen.
Damian Lillard Blood Clot Timeline – Can He Come Back for the Playoffs?
There have been a couple of successful stories in the NBA of players coming back fully healthy after a blood clot diagnosis. But nobody has returned in the same season. In most cases, players are diagnosed sometimes during the regular season, and they come back the next season.
Such was the case with Brandon Ingram, Christian Koloko, and Ausar Thompson. The Bucks are hopeful that Lillard will come back at some point. However, the medical world is not on their side. According to the National Library of Medicine, patients with clots have to undergo at least three months of treatment.
Damian Lillard was diagnosed with blood clots on March 18. Three months would put his timeline on June 18th. The NBA Finals are scheduled from June 1 to June 22. By that timeline, the Bucks would have to make it to the NBA Finals and make it to Game 6 or 7.
Can Bucks Make Noise in the Playoffs Without Lillard?
In the first round of the playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks will play against the Indiana Pacers. This season, they have played four times, with the Bucks winning three of their matchups. The first round will be a great chance for Milwaukee to avenge last year’s loss to Indiana. In last year’s playoffs, the Pacers won 4-2 in the opening round and sent Milwaukee home.
Antetokounmpo is playing at an all-time high level lately. He might be able to carry the Bucks over the Pacers. As one of the three-to-five best players in the league, we can give him as much benefit of the doubt. But anything further than that?
In the second round, the Bucks will likely play the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs have won all four games this season against the Bucks. They are currently on a five-game winning streak against Milwaukee.
The offseason will not be kind to the Bucks if they fail to make a deep playoff run. Rumors about the future of their franchise star might start popping up again. Every time the Bucks are in a crisis, there are questions about Giannis and his future. For now, he is locked into a contract, but how big is his patience?
Photo credit: © Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The post Damian Lillard To Miss Start Of Playoffs appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.