Typically, experiencing a blood clot, with the combination of blood thinner medication, spells the end of a player's season. However, in a recent report, an ESPN reporter communicated that Milwaukee Bucks' Damian Lillard believes such a thought is not concrete. The Indiana Pacers' rival expressed a positive message regarding his health scare.
On a recent episode of NBA Today, ESPN's Jamal Collier told host Malika Andrews, "There's still optimism at this time that Dame is going to play again at some point this season. "
Although multiple reports claim Lillard is out indefinitely, Lillard "looks forward to the playoffs" as the Bucks monitor his medical status closely. Collier also noted Lillard is starting to stabilize and shared appreciation for the Bucks catching the issue early.
The Bucks are 8-5 without Lillard during the 2024-25 season. However, such a record doesn't reflect what's likely to occur if Lillard doesn't suit up in the 2025 playoffs.
At the moment, the Bucks slipped from fifth to sixth seed in the Eastern Conference after losing 127-117 to the Denver Nuggets in Nikola Jokic's return from injury on Wednesday. The Detroit Pistons momentarily overtook them in the standings.
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If the playoffs started today, the Bucks would play the New York Knicks. However, if the Bucks wish to have a longer playoff run, they'd likely like to play the Pacers, whom they beat 3-1 in the 2024-25 regular-season series.
With the Pacers' 120-119 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, a playoff series against the Bucks is highly possible.
If Lillard miraculously returns by the playoffs, the Pacers could experience another first-round series vs. the Bucks.
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This story was originally published March 27, 2025 at 9:51 AM.