Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard is set to return from a 14-game absence due to a blood clot in his right calf, and he’s ready to face the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of their first-round series. The Bucks will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing Game 1 loss.
Lillard’s return is significant, as he was diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) blood clot in late March and missed the last 14 games of the regular season. He underwent treatment and was cleared by doctors on April 17, but still missed Game 1 due to the team’s desire to give him time to get back into shape.
Despite his extended absence, Lillard worked tirelessly to regain his fitness off the court through cardio exercises like biking and swimming. He also made a slow progression of on-court work with the team as they prepared for their series against the Pacers.
On Tuesday, Lillard expressed his readiness to play in Game 2, saying he’s been working hard to get back into game shape and is excited to be back on the court. However, he acknowledged that it won’t be a perfect time, and he’ll need to find his rhythm quickly.
“We don’t want to take that away from the team,” Lillard said of adjusting his playing style to accommodate his return. “I think on one side, you don’t want to take that away from the team, but also, like you said, I’ve missed some time.”
The Bucks will need to bounce back from a dismal performance in Game 1, where Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 36 points but the starting lineup struggled offensively. Lillard’s return is expected to alleviate some of the pressure on Antetokounmpo, and he believes that Giannis can handle the increased workload.
“We have experience playing against him,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said in a statement. “We’re familiar with his greatness and all the things that he does to make a game very difficult for the opponent.”
The stage is set for a thrilling matchup between Lillard and the Pacers, who are looking to take control of their series. With Lillard back on the court, the Bucks will be hoping to regain their momentum and push their way to the next round.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6299153/2025/04/22/damian-lillard-return-bucks-pacers-game-2