Report: Bucks' Damian Lillard to miss start of playoffs

Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard will miss the start of the playoffs as he continues to recover from a blood clot, ESPN reported Tuesday.

Lillard has not played since March 18 and the team announced on March 25 that he is dealing with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf.

"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," Bucks general manager Jon Horst said. "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."

The Bucks are playing the Indiana Pacers in the first round, with Game 1 scheduled for Saturday in Indianapolis. Milwaukee (48-34) finished the regular season with an eight-game winning streak.

Lillard, 34, averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in 58 games (all starts) in his second season with Milwaukee. He has career averages of 25.1 points, 6.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game in 900 games with the Portland Trail Blazers (2012-23) and Bucks.

--Field Level Media