What looks like a medical miracle is a reality. Damian Lillard is back for the playoffs after less than 30 days of being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis. According to sources, Dame has been cleared of his blood clot, and he no longer receives blood-thinning medication.
Just in Time: Damian Lillard’s Return Gives Bucks Playoffs Hope
The speed of Lillard’s recovery has never been seen before. Usually, athletes diagnosed with blood clots need at least 90 days of blood-thinning medication before they can resume normal activities. But in Lillard’s case, early treatment, detection, and specialists working on him before a formal diagnosis made it possible for the point guard to return sooner.
Recently, the Bucks announced that Damian will miss the start of the postseason. According to the team, Lillard is making significant improvements and will increase his on-court activity. Yet, they have still to offer a clear timetable for his return. He will not play in Game 1 of the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers. He will go through a period of time before resuming contact workouts and ramping up for a possible return.
Dame Time Ready for Playoffs
Dame’s return was just the spark Milwaukee needed for a deep playoff run. With Lillard out with injury, Giannis Antetokounmpo took responsibility and ran the offense. Giannis averaged a near triple-double, and the Bucks might unleash him as a point-center again in the playoffs sparingly.
But with Lillard back, things change. His return is more than a comeback story, it is a potential playoff-altering twist. With Lillard healthy and back to form, Milwaukee’s ceiling goes higher. One team that is not happy about Dame coming back is certainly the Cleveland Cavaliers. While the Cavaliers have a five-game winning streak and have won all games this season, they would rather face Giannis alone, not with Dame by his side. Despite the Bucks having an awful start to the season, the first two games in November with the Cavs were extremely close. The Cavs won by two or three points.
Waiting for Vegas’ Response
Lillard’s return will certainly improve the Bucks’ chances to compete for a championship. Right now, the oddsmakers still believe Dame will not be back for the postseason. The Bucks have the 12th-best odds to win the championship at +10,000. With Dame back, those chances should improve.
Milwaukee’s rival in the first round, the Indiana Pacers, have the 11th-best odds at +8,000. Once Dame is back on the court, those chances should improve. With the way Giannis is playing right now, the Bucks will probably have the best player in a series until the Finals, provided they make it there.
The Spurs Watching from Afar
One team that would certainly love to know more about how Dame managed to come back so soon is the San Antonio Spurs. They have their own situation with blood clots. While they do not need Victor Wembanyama back this season, they would love it if their franchise center made a healthy return as well.
Recently, Wemby talked about the possibility of playing for France at Eurobasket. The Spurs would love him to be as healthy and in shape as possible for next season. Year three with Victor should be the one where they make a huge jump and probably sneak into the playoffs.
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