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It looks like Damian Lillard could be back on the court soon for the Bucks.
Lillard, 34, was cleared of his deep vein thrombosis on Thursday and is no longer on any blood-thinning medications, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
A timeline for Lillard’s return has yet to be disclosed by the Bucks, with the star point guard being ruled out for Game 1 of Milwaukee’s playoff series against the Pacers.
In a positive step, he did return to practice on Thursday.
“We’re thrilled for Dame,” Bucks general manager Jon Horst said in a statement. “Our priority has always been Dame’s health. We’re grateful to our medical team for diagnosing and treating his DVT at an early stage, and for the world-renown hematology specialists at Mayo Clinic.
“Every step of Dame’s recovery has been at the direction of world-class medical professionals and their specific and strict protocols that have allowed for Dame’s safe and healthy return to play.”
Prior to his last game on March 18, Lillard was averaging 24.9 points and 7.1 assists this season, earning his ninth trip to the All-Star game.
The Bucks announced the following week that Lillard had deep vein thrombosis in his right calf and was taking blood-thinning medication.
Despite remaining optimistic about a possible Lillard return, Milwaukee head coach Doc Rivers admitted that the team was prepared for the seven-time All-NBA player to miss the remainder of the season.
“This could have been career-threatening,” Rivers said Thursday. “Or it was. The fact there’s a very good chance he’s going to play in the playoffs for us, that’s a godsend.”
According to ESPN, doctors told Bucks officials that they have never seen a recovery as fast as Lillard’s, noting his early treatment before a formal diagnosis.
Lillard was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis just weeks after Spurs center Victor Wembanyama was declared out for the remainder of the season with the same issue affecting his right shoulder.
