Report: Bucks' Damian Lillard targeting Game 2 or 3 return

Field Level Media|published: Sat 19th April, 13:22 2025

Mar 15, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard, who missed the final 14 games of the regular season due to a medical issue, could return for Game 2 or 3 of the team's first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, ESPN reported Saturday.

Lillard, 34, was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf last month and was taking blood-thinning medication, forcing him to sit out of action. With his condition improved, the Bucks said Thursday that he had been cleared to resume basketball activity.

He has not played in a game since March 18, when he scored 16 points in a 104-93 loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference series between the No. 5 Bucks (48-34) and the No. 4 Pacers (50-32) will be played Saturday in Indianapolis.

On the season, the nine-time All-Star averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 58 games. Over 900 career games with the Portland Trail Blazers (2012-23) and Bucks, he has averages of 25.1 points, 6.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds.

--Field Level Media