Report: Bucks’ Damian Lillard to miss start of NBA playoffs

The Milwaukee Bucks reportedly will not have their star point guard to start the 2025 post-season.

Damian Lillard, who has been sidelined with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf since March 18, will miss the start of the NBA playoffs, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Lillard, 34, appeared in a career-low 58 games this season while dealing with a variety of health issues, including hamstring and groin injuries, a stint in concussion protocol, and ultimately the blood clot in his calf.

The six-foot-two guard averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 2024-25 while shooting 37.6 per cent from three-point range.

“Damian’s most recent weekly scan shows that his injury has significantly improved, which will enable him to move ahead safely with increased basketball activity,” said Bucks general manager Jon Hors in a statement while not yet officially ruling the guard out for Round 1 of the playoffs. “Damian’s health remains our No. 1 priority. We have followed strict protocols and will continue to do so. We are pleased with the positive news about Damian’s progress.”

Lillard has averaged 26.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists while shooting 37.3 per cent from three in 65 career playoff games. The deepest playoff run of his career came in 2019 with Portland Trail Blazers, where he made it to the Western Conference Finals only to be swept by the Golden State Warriors.

San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama was ruled out for the season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder on Feb. 20. Other prominent NBA players to have experienced blood clotting issues include two former Toronto Raptors, Chris Bosh and Christian Koloko.

Bosh’s career ultimately ended early due to the persistent condition.

The Bucks play the Indiana Pacers on Saturday.