Milwaukee, Wisconsin – The Milwaukee Bucks faced another setback in an already challenging season as guard Damian Lillard was sidelined indefinitely due to deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. The Athletic reported that there is optimism for Lillard’s return this season, but concerns rose as he experienced ongoing discomfort beyond a typical calf strain. Lillard consulted with top hematologists in the U.S., starting a rigorous treatment plan that includes blood thinners.
Since the news of Lillard’s diagnosis, he has missed three consecutive games, adding to a series of absences this season including games missed due to a concussion in November and calf strains and illness in December. Lillard dealt with similar calf injuries in past seasons while playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, missing a total of 10 games over three weeks due to strains. Despite these setbacks, Lillard has maintained solid performance, averaging close to his career averages in points, shooting percentages, and assists.
The Bucks, currently holding the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference with a 40-31 record, have relied on a depleted roster in Lillard’s absence. The team’s success this season has been marred by injuries and inconsistencies, raising questions about the impact of Lillard’s presence alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. Lillard’s absence reveals the team’s lack of depth, forcing them to field lineups with inexperienced players alongside key starters.
With Lillard’s uncertain timeline for return, the Bucks must navigate the final stretch of the season without one of their key players. The team’s playoff position seems secure, but the absence of Lillard underscores the challenges they face in maintaining competitiveness without a full roster. As the regular season winds down, the Bucks will need to rely on the resilience and adaptability of their remaining players to secure their position in the playoffs and make a push for success.