Milwaukee Bucks Guard Damian Lillard will miss the start of the play -offs while he continues to treat a blood clot in his right -hand gall. ESPN’s Shams Charania was the first to report.
Lillard has not played since March 18, but there is now hope that he could return this late season at some point. That will of course depend on how long the bucks can last in the late season.
Milwaukee earned the fifth seed of the east and plays the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the Play -Offs.
In 58 games, Lillard had on average 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 1.2 Steals.
Milwaukee has placed a 16-8 record with Lillard from the line-up this season.
The Pacers-Bucks series starts on April 19. The semi -finals of the conference have a start date of 5 May, but can already be on May 3, depending on how the first round shakes. The final of the Eastern Conference starts on May 21 and can be on May 19.
Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard (blood clot) will miss the start of the NBA play -offs, sources tell ESPN. Bucks play game 1 of the first round against the Pacers on Saturday. Lillard has been sidelined since March 18 and doctors continue to follow the progress on permission. pic.twitter.com/W8CQBST3G1
– Shams Charania (@shamscharania) April 15, 2025
Antetokounmpo dominates in the absence of Lillard
Giannis Antetokounmpo was just as dominant as he had once been to the part of the regular season. He on average 31.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, 11.8 assists, 1.2 steals and a block in April, shoots 60.7 percent out of the field.
The Bucks drove those versions to eight straight victories to complete the regular season.
Without the incredible years, both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, Antetokounmpo, would be much more discussed in the MVP race.
Portis Return has been a boost
Bobby Portis returned from a suspension of 25 games for the last three games of the regular season. He offers the bucks a much -needed scoring boost in the absence of Lillard, as well as rebound and toughness.
In three games since the return he placed 16.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals. He also shot 50 percent and 38.5 percent of three.
A lot of Brook Lopez will also be expected, but there will certainly also be Kyle Kuzma in the eyes, which was taken over at the Trade Deadline in exchange for Khris Middleton There will also be expectations, also to prove themselves as a difference maker.
