According to a report from ESPN senior NBA insider Shams Charania, Milwaukee Bucks star guard and Top 75 player of all-time Damian Lillard is going to be sidelined indefinitely after suffering a blood clot in his calf.
“Damian Lillard has sustained a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) in his right calf,” Charania said. “Lillard is on blood-thinning medication, which has stabilized the blood clot, and will continue with regular testing. He is out [for an] indefinite period.”
This devastating report comes after news that Lillard had been dealing with a calf strain and was waiting on pins and needles for imaging results.
“It’s been frustrating just obviously not being able to play this point in the season, but just trying to learn more,” Lillard said to Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
“Damian’s health is our No. 1 priority,” Bucks general manager John Horst said. “We will support him as he moves through this weekly process of strict criteria to ensure that it is safe for him to return to play. Doctors have indicated that his situation is very unlikely to occur again. We are thankful that this was identified and medicated quickly, which helps with the recovery.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Bucks are currently in between a rock and a hard place in their season. After a 2-point 108-106 loss to Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns, they are now in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, two games behind the Indiana Pacers and with the surging Detroit Pistons nipping at their heels.
While the Bucks are guaranteed a playoff spot at this late juncture of the year, Indiana would have the all-important home court advantage if the standings remain the same. If the Bucks want any chance to make it to the NBA Finals in June, that could be a critical factor in their favor.
Now, the question remains whether Lillard will be back in time for the playoffs. If he is unable to return, the Bucks’ playoff chances will be slim to none to even make it out of the first round.
Lillard, 34 years-of-age, is one of the Bucks’ top stars alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. This season, he has averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. He was also named an NBA All-Star this season.
It is the second consecutive season the Bucks are dealing with a major injury as the playoffs loom. Last season, Antetokounmpo sat out their first-round series loss to the Indiana Pacers because of a calf injury, and Lillard only participated four of the six games.
With all that being said, from a human perspective, the most important thing is that Lillard takes the necessary time to heal. Hopefully, he will be able to get back to doing what he loves soon.
