MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard will return to action tonight in Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers, just one month after he was officially diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
His reported return comes a week after the Bucks announced that the star was cleared to return.The team said Lillard was cleared for "full basketball activity" and is no longer on blood-thinning medication, but didn't specify when he would return to the floor.
Just in on NBA Countdown – Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard is expected to make his return in Game 2 or Game 3 of series against the Indiana Pacers, sources tell ESPN: pic.twitter.com/RNHT5eHfPl
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 19, 2025
Lillard was officially diagnosed with DVT on March 25, whichusually takes several months to recover, and fans were told he would be out "indefinitely." DVT occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, usually in the legs, according to The Mayo Clinic.
Watch: Local doctor explains Lillard's diagnosis
Lillard last played on March 18 against the Golden State Warriors.
To celebrate Tuesday's game, the Milwaukee Bucks are hosting a first-round Game 2 watch party at 5:30 p.m. at Third Street Market Hall.
Enjoy drink specials, giveaways, and more at our Game 2 watch party.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 21, 2025
Indiana won Game 1 to take the lead in the best-of-seven series on Saturday. However, Indiana ousted Milwaukee in the first round last year, too, when Lillard averaged 31.3 points in last year's first-round series, according to AP.
Tipoff for Game 2 is set for 6 p.m. at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
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