The Milwaukee Bucks’ championship dreams are in jeopardy as star player Damian Lillard has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf, the team has announced.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard, an NBA All-Star, has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, as confirmed by the team.
Lillard has been placed on medication to thin his blood, which has helped to stabilize his condition. Further testing is ongoing, with the team indicating that updates will be provided when appropriate.
“Damian’s health is our number one priority,” said Bucks General Manager, Jon Horst. “We will support him as he goes through a rigorous process to ensure it’s safe for him to return to play. The doctors have stated that his condition is very unlikely to recur. We are grateful that it was identified and treated promptly, which is aiding in his recovery.”
Lillard, who is now 34, played his last game on March 18 against the Golden State Warriors before missing the Bucks’ last three games due to a calf injury.
This season, Lillard is averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game in 58 games (all starts). These numbers, alongside his career averages of 25.1 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game across 900 games with the Portland Trail Blazers (2012-23) and the Bucks, showcase his crucial role to the team.
The Bucks (40-31) face the challenge of the season’s final 11 games without Lillard, who joins Jericho Sims (thumb) and Bobby Portis Jr. (suspension) on the injury list. As it stands, they are fifth in the Eastern Conference standings.
Lillard has been placed on medication to thin his blood, which has helped to stabilize his condition. Further testing is ongoing, with the team indicating that updates will be provided when appropriate.
“Damian’s health is our number one priority,” said Bucks General Manager, Jon Horst. “We will support him as he goes through a rigorous process to ensure it’s safe for him to return to play. The doctors have stated that his condition is very unlikely to recur. We are grateful that it was identified and treated promptly, which is aiding in his recovery.”
Lillard, who is now 34, played his last game on March 18 against the Golden State Warriors before missing the Bucks’ last three games due to a calf injury.
This season, Lillard is averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game in 58 games (all starts). These numbers, alongside his career averages of 25.1 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game across 900 games with the Portland Trail Blazers (2012-23) and the Bucks, showcase his crucial role to the team.
The Bucks (40-31) face the challenge of the season’s final 11 games without Lillard, who joins Jericho Sims (thumb) and Bobby Portis Jr. (suspension) on the injury list. As it stands, they are fifth in the Eastern Conference standings.
[File: Godofredo A Vasquez/AP]
