Well, it is official. The Milwaukee Bucks, who overcame a very troubling start that saw them lose eight of their first 10 games, are back in some trouble. The Bucks are 40-31, which is good for fifth in the East, but the team has already been sliding lately, with a 4-6 record in ther last 10 heading into Wednesday's game against the Nuggets.
That downturn is likely to continue, though, because star guard Damian Lillard, who is the team's No. 2 scorer (24.9 points) and top assist man (7.1), has been officially ruled out by the team.
As the Bucks wrote on Twitter/X on Tuesday: "Injury Update: Damian Lillard is out for tomorrow's game at Denver with a Right Calf Deep Vein Thrombosis."
Injury Report - March 26 at Denver
Out:
Damian Lillard (Right Calf Strain)
Bobby Portis Jr. (League Suspension)
Jericho Sims (Right Thumb UCL Sprain)
Questionable:
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Left Foot Sprain)
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 25, 2025
That's especially difficult because it is likely, as several NBA reporters have been pointing out, that the blood clot will mean Lillard is out for the rest of the season.
As of now, the initial prognosis is that Lillard will be out "indefinitely." But already, we have seen Spurs star Victor Wembanyama ruled out for the year with the same condition, which happened a month ago.
On Twitter/X, the reactions in support of Lillard, and looking at his immediate future, came rolling in.
Steelers star Cam Heyward wrote: "Damn!…….Get right! We can't wait to see you back! Sending prayers your way!"
Harrison Sanford, who hosts Danny Green's podcast, wrote, "Wow … First: hope Dame is able to recover well Second: this is a damn shame and reminds me Giannis hinted towards looking elsewhere at the beginning of season if things don't go right this year … never got to see this duo in the playoffs and it looks even more unlikely now."
And Dr. Evan Jeffries, who comments on sports injuries as an "injury insider" noted, "Wow unfortunate news but essentially this is the same thing Victor Wembanyama which put him out for the season More than likely Lillard will need to be on blood thinners for 3 months which likely puts him out for the season."
Others weighed in with messages of support.
Everytime I see "blood clots" takes me back to 2015 in February when Bosh was diagnosed, I hope Damian Lillard fully recovers and can continue his career at an elite level
— Tjay (@TJames312) March 26, 2025
Dear lord please
Help Damian lamonte Lillard get better sooner
— black bird in the dead of night (@JayPhoenix911) March 26, 2025
Man. Prayers up for Dame. That stuff runs in my family, always hate to see DVT.
— Yinzergear (@YinzerGear) March 26, 2025
Related: Giannis Antetokounmpo's Role in Major Bucks NBA Trade Revealed
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This story was originally published March 25, 2025 at 9:18 PM.