The Milwaukee Bucks will begin their 2025 playoff journey without one of their most crucial stars, as Damian Lillard has officially been ruled out for Game 1 of the first-round series against the Indiana Pacers.
Lillard, who was initially listed with a calf injury, was later diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — a blood clot in his right calf — in late March. Since the diagnosis, he has missed the Bucks’ last 14 games of the regular season and is now in danger of missing the entire first round of the playoffs. While the team has not ruled him out for the series, reports indicate that his return is unlikely.
This is a devastating blow for Milwaukee, who brought in Lillard to be the perfect playoff running mate for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Lillard was expected to add another level of offensive explosiveness and clutch shot-making, particularly in big postseason moments — something the Bucks desperately need against an energetic Indiana team.
Despite the disappointment, the Bucks issued a positive update. The team confirmed that Lillard’s condition is “significantly improving” and that he has been cleared to increase his basketball activity. General Manager Jon Horst emphasized that Lillard’s health remains the organization’s top priority and praised the progress made so far.
The Bucks now face an uphill climb without their All-Star guard. With Lillard out, players like Khris Middleton, Malik Beasley, and Bobby Portis will be asked to shoulder more of the offensive load alongside Giannis. Veteran guard Patrick Beverley could also see a significant increase in minutes at the point guard position.
Game 1 of the series is set for Saturday, April 19 in Indiana. The Pacers will host the first two games before the series shifts to Milwaukee. As Lillard continues to recover, the Bucks will need to find a way to stay afloat and hope that their superstar guard can make a return before it’s too late.
