Damian Lillard’s Health Scare: Bucks Star Sidelined Indefinitely
In a surprising and concerning turn of events, the Milwaukee Bucks have announced that their star player, Damian Lillard, has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, a condition more commonly known as a blood clot, in his right calf. This diagnosis means Lillard will be sidelined indefinitely, a significant blow to the Bucks as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season.
At 34 years old, Lillard is currently on blood-thinning medication, which has successfully stabilized the clot, according to the team. The Bucks have assured fans that Lillard will continue to undergo regular testing to monitor his condition closely.
In a statement, Bucks general manager Jon Horst emphasized the team’s commitment to Lillard’s health, saying, “Damian’s health is our No. 1 priority. We will support him as he moves through this weekly process of strict criteria to ensure that it is safe for him to return to play. Doctors have indicated that his situation is very unlikely to occur again. We are thankful that this was identified and medicated quickly, which helps with the recovery.”
This isn’t the first time the NBA has seen a player sidelined due to deep vein thrombosis this season. The San Antonio Spurs had to shut down their star big man, Victor Wembanyama, in February after he was diagnosed with the same condition in his right shoulder.
Lillard’s absence comes after he missed Milwaukee’s past three games with what was initially thought to be a calf strain. However, Bucks coach Doc Rivers noted before Monday’s game that Lillard’s condition was not improving. This follows a similar incident in December when Lillard was sidelined for 10 days due to an injury to the same calf.
The timing of this injury is particularly challenging for the Bucks as they are in the thick of a battle for their spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Milwaukee has lost three of their past five games and six of their past 10, which has dropped them to No. 5 in the East, only ½-game ahead of the Pistons. The Bucks have managed an 8-5 record this season when Lillard sits, but their scoring takes a noticeable hit, dropping to 108.5 points per game compared to 115.7 when he plays.
With only 11 games remaining in the regular season, the Bucks are facing an uphill battle without one of their key players. Lillard, who was named to his ninth All-Star game this season, is averaging nearly 25 points and 7.1 assists. His partnership with superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a highlight for the team, with the duo averaging 55.1 points, the highest-scoring combination in the league, according to ESPN Research.
This marks the second consecutive season that the Bucks are dealing with a major injury as the playoffs draw near. Last season, Antetokounmpo missed their entire first-round series loss to the Indiana Pacers with a calf injury, while Lillard played in just four of the six games.
- Damian Lillard diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis.
- Lillard is on blood-thinning medication to stabilize the clot.
- The Bucks are currently No. 5 in the Eastern Conference.
- Lillard and Antetokounmpo are the highest-scoring duo in the league.
- The Bucks have 11 games remaining in the regular season.
As the Bucks continue to fight for their playoff position, the team and fans alike will be hoping for Lillard’s swift and full recovery. His health remains the top priority, and the Bucks are committed to ensuring he returns to the court only when it is safe to do so.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
