MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Bucks have announced that guard Damian Lillard is facing a prolonged absence due to a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf. The team shared this update without specifying when the seven-time All-NBA star might return to action. Lillard, a critical presence on the court, has already missed the Bucks’ last three games. The injury-plagued team is concluding a five-game road trip with a match against Denver.
Deep vein thrombosis involves the formation of a blood clot in a blood vessel, a serious condition that Lillard is now battling with the help of blood-thinning medication. “Damian’s health is our top concern,” stated Jon Horst, the general manager of the Bucks. He explained that Lillard would go through an intensive treatment process to ensure he can safely return to the court. Medical professionals have reassured the team that the likelihood of a recurrence is low, thanks to the prompt identification and treatment of the condition. The Bucks are optimistic about his recovery as he undergoes regular testing while continuing his medication.
Lillard, aged 34, becomes the latest prominent NBA player to face time away from the game due to DVT. Earlier this season, San Antonio Spurs player Victor Wembanyama had been diagnosed with DVT in his shoulder following his participation in the All-Star Game and has since been sidelined for the season. Both athletes are on blood-thinning treatments, similar to the protocol followed by doctors in such cases. The condition has previously impacted other NBA players, including Hall of Famer Chris Bosh, whose career ended prematurely due to blood clots. Brandon Ingram, then a Los Angeles Laker, also dealt with DVT that cut his 2018-2019 season short. Additionally, Ausar Thompson from Detroit missed the conclusion of the 2023-24 season owing to a clot-related issue. DVT is most commonly found in the lower leg, aligning with Lillard’s situation.
This health setback interrupts what had been an impressive season for Lillard, marking his ninth All-Star selection. He was holding the 10th position in NBA assists, averaging 7.1 per game, and was 11th in scoring with 24.9 points per game. Lillard’s unforeseen absence raises concerns for the Bucks as they approach the playoffs potentially without one of their star players for the second consecutive year. Last season, the team saw an early playoff exit against the Indiana Pacers as two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo sat out due to a calf injury.
Currently, the Bucks (40-31) are nearly tied with the Detroit Pistons (41-32) in the competitive race for fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings, trailing behind the fourth-place Indiana Pacers (42-29) by two games. Securing a top-four spot would grant home-court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs, a critical factor for the team’s playoff ambitions.