In a significant setback for the Milwaukee Bucks, guard Damian Lillard has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf, which will likely keep him sidelined for an indefinite period. The team made this announcement on Tuesday night, emphasizing their commitment to Lillard’s health as the foremost priority. Currently, Lillard is undergoing treatment with blood-thinning medication as he navigates this health challenge.
Lillard, a seven-time All-NBA selection, has already missed the last three games for the Bucks during their five-game trip, which culminates with a clash against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. DVT involves the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, and while the Bucks have not specified a timeline for Lillard’s return, they have reassured fans and analysts that his condition is being closely monitored. General Manager Jon Horst addressed the situation, expressing gratitude that it was identified and treated swiftly, calling it a crucial moment in Lillard’s recovery process. “Damian’s health is our No. 1 priority,” Horst stated. The team is focused on ensuring that Lillard meets the rigorous health standards necessary for a safe return to the court.
At 34 years old, Lillard’s diagnosis marks him as the second notable player this season to face a DVT-related absence. Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs was previously diagnosed with a similar condition and has also been placed on blood thinners. Like Lillard, Wembanyama has received reassurance regarding his long-term health outlook.
In a conversation relayed by veteran NBA reporter Chris Haynes, Lillard expressed his frustration over the diagnosis while maintaining a focus on his family. “It’s unfortunate that something outside of my control would come up,” he said. “Along with the Bucks’ medical staff, our priorities are to protect my health and safety. As much as I love basketball, I need to be there for my kids and my family.” Lillard has acknowledged the support he has received from the Bucks throughout this challenging time.
DVT cases in the NBA are not unheard of. The league has seen notable players like Chris Bosh, whose career was cut short due to blood clot issues, and Brandon Ingram, who faced a similar challenge during the 2018-19 season, also sidelining him early while with the Los Angeles Lakers. Recent seasons have seen others like Ausar Thompson dealing with similar health setbacks that affected their gameplay.
The development of DVT typically occurs in the lower legs, so Lillard’s diagnosis isn’t uncommon. Unfortunately for the Bucks, this injury derails what’s been a strong season for Lillard, who had just earned his ninth All-Star selection, ranking among the league leaders with an average of 7.1 assists (10th in the NBA) and 24.9 points per game (11th in scoring).
This injury raises pressing questions about the Bucks’ playoff prospects, particularly as they aim to avoid a repeat of last year’s first-round exit. The team will need to showcase resilience, especially considering they may open the playoffs without one of their two superstars for the second consecutive postseason. Currently, the Bucks (40-31) find themselves jostling for position in the Eastern Conference standings, closely trailing the Detroit Pistons (41-32) for the fifth spot, just two games behind the fourth-place Indiana Pacers (42-29). With home-court advantage on the line, every game becomes even more critical as they navigate this challenging moment in their season.
