Could we see the return of Dame already?
The Milwaukee Bucks might be getting a much-needed boost after a dreadful opening performance in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers. Damian Lillard is listed as questionable in the Bucks’ injury report for Game 2, as he ramps up his conditioning to return to competition.
NEWS: Milwaukee Bucks All-Star Damian Lillard is officially listed as questionable for Game 2 in round 1 against the Indiana Pacers.
This follows the report from @espn.com’s Shams Charania on Saturday about his potential status for this series.
— Jackson Gross (@jgrossreporter.bsky.social) 2025-04-21T19:18:50.895Z
This follows the report from ESPN’s Shams Charania on Saturday, saying that Lillard could potentially return either in Game 2 or Game 3 as he tries to get back into NBA shape. Lillard has been out for over the last month as he was being treated for a blood clot in his right calf. It wasn’t until last Thursday that Lillard was officially cleared of the clots and cleared for full basketball activities. If he does end up playing tomorrow, he will have had five full days to ramp himself up to be ready to play.
FROM SHAMS:
Amazing: Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard has been cleared of his deep vein thrombosis and is no longer on blood-thinning medication, sources tell ESPN. Lillard is out for Game 1 Saturday against Indiana and will have a period of time to resume contact workouts and ramp up for return.
— Shams Charania Tweets (& Other NBA News) (@shamsbot.bsky.social) 2025-04-17T17:30:38.929Z
Lillard’s return couldn’t come at a better time, with the Bucks down 0-1 in the series after the beating they took in Game 1, losing 117-98. The Bucks fell behind by as much as 28 points, and shot a dreadful 2/16 from three-point range in the first half. Milwaukee did get some things rolling in the latter half of the third quarter and the fourth, but a three-minute scoreless stretch after bringing the game within 12 with just over five minutes to go doomed any comeback.
While Lillard certainly won’t fix their defensive issues in guarding the three-point line and Pascal Siakam, Lillard is a proven playoff performer and provides much-needed shooting for the Bucks. He can get his own bucket at any time, and in playoff time, you need every point you can get. We will keep you informed as always and let you know whether Lillard officially suits up on Tuesday night or not.