Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard could return to the court in the playoffs, as he’s on track to be cleared for full-contact practice within the next two weeks.
The Milwaukee Bucks suffered a significant blow to their season hopes after Damian Lillard was forced to be sidelined indefinitely due to a diagnosed blood clot in his right calf.
Damian Lillard
| Team: |
Milwaukee Bucks |
| Position: | PG |
| Age: | 34 |
| Height: | 191 cm |
| Weight: | 88 kg |
| Birth place: | Oakland, United States of America |
However, there is some good news. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Lillard is making good progress after the diagnosis and could still play for the team in the playoffs this season.
"There is a chance. There’s optimism," Charania said on The Pat McAfee Show about Lillard’s potential return this season.
"With blood clots, it’s usually an extended absence—months long. But I’m told his treatment started early, they identified the issue and began treatment. Then they finally received the diagnosis," Charania added.
Shams revealed that Lillard has weekly doctor’s appointments to monitor the blood clot. So far, the updates have been positive.
"He’s having doctor’s appointments every week to assess the blood clot in his calf. My understanding is that doctors are encouraged by his progress. They see the blood clot shrinking—it’s decreasing, it’s diminishing. He’s also doing some light workouts right now," Shams said.
"He’s hopeful to be cleared in the next week to a week and a half to go full-contact and resume playing for the Milwaukee Bucks," Shams stated.
Without Lillard, it’s hard to envision the Bucks making a deep postseason run, as he’s been outstanding this season, averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game.
