Bucks’ Damian Lillard Faces Indefinite Absence Due to Blood Clots in Right Calf: What This Means for the Team

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard has a serious health issue. He has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, a condition related to blood clots, in his right calf. The team announced this on Tuesday, making it clear that Lillard is now on blood-thinning medication and will undergo regular tests. Although he’s expected to be out for an unspecified time, there’s hope that he might return before the season ends.

Jon Horst, the Bucks’ general manager, emphasized that Lillard’s health is their top priority. “We are thankful this was identified and treated quickly,” he said, noting that doctors believe such complications are unlikely to happen again. Lillard expressed his disappointment but acknowledged the Bucks’ quick action in addressing his health concerns. “I need to be there for my kids and my family,” he stated, highlighting the importance of health over basketball.

Lillard, a nine-time All-Star, has faced challenges from injuries lately. He missed the last few games due to calf soreness, which led to further investigations that revealed the blood clot. Reportedly, concerns grew when he played against the Lakers. Although he had similar symptoms previously, this time he sought clarity on the underlying cause, which led him to consult five top hematologists across the country.

As of now, Lillard averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists before his diagnosis, ranking him among the top players in the NBA. His partnership with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was supposed to be a key to the Bucks’ success this season. However, without Lillard, the team faces significant challenges in maintaining their playoff position, currently sitting at 40-31.

The injury comes at a tough time for the Bucks, who have dealt with injuries continuously since winning the championship in 2021. For instance, Khris Middleton’s knee injury in 2022 and Antetokounmpo’s back injury in 2023 both hindered their playoff runs. This long-term injury pattern has made it tough for the Bucks to reclaim the title.

In the league, teams are building around star duos more than ever. Recent statistics show that teams with two top-tier players have a higher winning percentage, suggesting that injuries can derail championship aspirations. The Bucks will need to adapt quickly and rely heavily on Antetokounmpo to perform at his best to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Without Lillard, the focus shifts to how the Bucks will cope. Antetokounmpo alone can’t carry the team through the playoffs. The team will have to step up collectively, and it will be interesting to see how they navigate these challenges in the coming weeks.

For now, all eyes are on Lillard’s recovery and whether he can make a triumphant return to help his team when it matters most.



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Milwaukee Bucks, NBA