Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard will miss the beginning of the playoffs as he continues to deal with a blood clot in his proper calf. ESPN’s Shams Charania was first to report.
Lillard hasn’t performed since March 18, however there may be now hope he might return sooner or later this postseason. That, in fact, will likely be depending on how lengthy the Bucks can final within the postseason.
Milwaukee earned the East’s fifth seed and can play the Indiana Pacers within the first spherical of the playoffs.
In 58 video games, Lillard averaged 24.9 factors, 4.7 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.2 steals.
Milwaukee has posted a 16-8 document with Lillard out of the lineup this season.
The Pacers-Bucks sequence begins on April 19. The convention semifinals have a Could 5 begin date however may very well be as early as Could 3, relying on how the primary spherical shakes out. The Jap Convention Finals are set to start Could 21 and may very well be as early as Could 19.
Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard (blood clot) will miss the beginning of the NBA playoffs, sources inform ESPN. Bucks play Recreation 1 of the primary spherical towards the Pacers on Saturday. Lillard has been sidelined since March 18, and docs proceed to watch progress for clearance. pic.twitter.com/W8CqbSt3G1
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 15, 2025
Antetokounmpo Dominating In Lillard’s Absence
Giannis Antetokounmpo was as dominant as he’s ever been down the stretch of the common season. He averaged 31.8 factors, 12.0 rebounds, 11.8 assists, 1.2 steals and a block in April, capturing 60.7 % from the sector.
The Bucks rode these performances to eight straight wins to complete off the common season.
If it weren’t for the unbelievable years each Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic are having, Antetokounmpo could be much more talked about within the MVP race.
Portis Return Has Been A Increase
Bobby Portis returned from a 25-game suspension for the ultimate three video games of the common season. He gives the Bucks with a much-needed scoring increase in Lillard’s absence, in addition to rebounding and toughness.
In three video games since returning, he put up 16.3 factors, 9.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals. He additionally shot 50 % from the sector and 38.5 % from three.
A lot will likely be anticipated of Brook Lopez as effectively, however there will definitely be eyes on Kyle Kuzma, too, who was acquired on the commerce deadline in alternate for Khris Middleton There will likely be expectations — nevertheless honest or unfair — to show himself as a difference-maker.
