Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard is on track to rejoin the lineup in Game 2 or Game 3 of the team’s first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
The 34-year-old guard has been cleared to play after recovering from a blood clot in his right leg, which had sidelined him since March 18.
Lillard is no longer on blood thinners and has officially resolved the deep vein thrombosis that led to an indefinite absence, Charania reported Thursday.
He will miss Game 1 on Saturday in Indianapolis but has already resumed basketball activities and is expected to begin contact work shortly.
Milwaukee’s medical staff has characterized the recovery as one of the fastest on record for this type of condition.
One of the doctors involved in the process reportedly called the clearance “historic,” per Charania.
The Bucks leaned heavily on Lillard in his first season with the team, where he averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds over 73 games.
His contributions were critical in helping the franchise secure a 48-34 record and the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Indiana finished two games ahead at 50-32 and holds home-court advantage in the opening round.
Despite the seeding difference, Milwaukee dominated the regular-season series, winning three of four matchups against the Pacers.
The last time the two teams met, the Bucks pulled off a seven-point.
Lillard’s potential return shifts the dynamic of the series, especially given the postseason experience he brings to the table.
Milwaukee will evaluate his conditioning and game readiness on a daily basis before making a final call for Game 2.
Tipoff for the series opener is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
