The Bucks will be without star Damian Lillard for the foreseeable future. The point guard was diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis in his calf and has been ruled out indefinitely.
Lillard has played in 58 of Milwaukee’s 71 games this season. The NBA’s regular season is winding down. The Bucks only have 11 games left before the playoffs start. Milwaukee is in a good spot for making the playoffs, but any chance to make a deep run toward the NBA Finals will be hindered if Lillard can’t play.
This is the second deep vein thrombosis diagnosis of the 2024-25 NBA season. Spurs center Victor Wembanyama had the first back in February. His was in his shoulder and he was ruled out for the remainder of the season.
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Here is more on Lillard’s injury and what it means for the Bucks.
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Damian Lillard injury update
The Bucks last played on March 24 in a close, two-point loss to the Suns. Milwaukee’s next game is on the road against the Nuggets on Wednesday, March 26. Lillard developed and was diagnosed with his deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on Tuesday, March 25. He will be sidelined indefinitely, and it’s unclear whether he’ll be able to return this NBA season.
The Bucks released the following statement.
Bucks announce Damian Lillard out indefinitely with a blood clot in his right calf. He’s on blood thinning medication, and will continue with regular testing pic.twitter.com/O7MSTqvcMC
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) March 26, 2025
Lillard himself also released a statement.
Damian Lillard to me on his diagnosis:“It’s unfortunate that something outside of my control would come up. Along with the Bucks’ medical staff, our priorities are to protect my health and safety. As much as I love basketball, I need to be there for my kids and my family. I’m…
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 26, 2025
It is too early to tell how long Lillard will be out, but for now, it is notable that he hasn’t automatically been ruled out for the postseason and could still return if he doesn’t experience any setbacks. The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported Tuesday night that there is “a great deal of optimism” that Lillard will be able to return this season.
What is deep vein thrombosis?
A deep vein thrombosis is a type of blood clot. The difference with this clot is that it occurs in a “deep vein” and is most common in the legs, like what Lillard is dealing with.
A deep vein thrombosis can cause “pain, warmth, and tenderness in the affected area, per the Mayo Clinic website. The biggest worry with DVT clots is if the clot travels to another part of Lillard’s body. That doesn’t seem to be the case for now, but it is why there is concern with the diagnosis and why he can’t quickly return to game action.
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Damian Lillard 2024-2025 stats
Here are Lillard’s per game stats this season.
- 24.9 points
- 4.7 rebounds
- 7.1 assists
- 1.2 steals
- 44.8% FG%
- 37.6% 3FG%
- 92.1 FT%
- 36.1 minutes
- 58 games
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Bucks playoff standing
The Bucks would be the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference if the playoffs were to start today.
| Seed | Team | Games Back |
| 1 | Cavaliers | – |
| 2 | Celtics | 4.5 |
| 3 | Knicks | 12.5 |
| 4 | Pacers | 15 |
| 5 | Bucks | 17 |
| 6 | Pistons | 17.5 |
| 7 | Hawks | 22 |
| 8 | Magic | 23.5 |
| 9 | Bulls | 25.5 |
| 10 | Heat | 27 |
| 11 | Raptors | 32.5 |
| 12 | Nets | 34.5 |
| 13 | 76ers | 34.5 |
MORE NBA: Victor Wembanyama ruled out for remainder of season
Bucks remaining schedule
The NBA plays 82 games during its regular season. As of March 25, the Bucks have played 71 games and have 11 left.
| Date | Opponent |
| March 26 | at Nuggets |
| March 28 | vs. Knicks |
| March 30 | vs. Hawks |
| April 1 | vs. Suns |
| April 5 | at 76ers |
| April 6 | at Pelicans |
| April 8 | vs. Timberwolves |
| April 10 | vs. Pelicans |
| April 11 | at Pistons |
| April 13 | vs. Pistons |
