Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard will not be available when the team begins its playoff run against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday.
According to a report from NBA insider Shams Charania, Lillard is expected to miss the start of the first-round series due to a blood clot.
Despite his absence to begin the series, Charania reported there is optimism that Lillard could return at some point during the postseason if his progress continues. He has resumed basketball activities and is expected to gradually ramp up his workload this week.
The 34-year-old guard has been out of the lineup since March 18 and was ruled out indefinitely a week later after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf.
Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists across 73 appearances this season.
He played a key role in helping Milwaukee finish the regular season with a 48-34 record, placing fifth in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Pacers, who claimed the fourth seed at 50-32, will hold home-court advantage in the series.
Milwaukee won three of the four regular-season matchups against Indiana, including a 126-119 victory in their most recent meeting.
The Bucks averaged 115.5 points per game during the regular season while giving up 113.0, producing a positive net rating of +2.5.
Indiana, meanwhile, led the East in scoring at 117.4 points per contest but ranked near the bottom in defensive efficiency, allowing 115.1.
Lillard’s status will be monitored on a game-by-game basis, with team doctors continuing to evaluate his progress before clearing him for return.
Game 1 of the series tips off Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
