Bucks star Damian Lillard has been cleared of the deep vein thrombosis in his right calf and is no longer on medication, the team announced on Friday, April 18.
Milwaukee also added that Lillard is ramping up preparations for his eventual comeback, but the team provided no specific timetable to his on-court return.
“We’re thrilled for Dame. Every step of Dame’s recovery has been at the direction of world-class medical professionals and their specific and strict protocols that have allowed for Dame’s safe and healthy return to play,” Bucks general manager Jon Horst said in a statement.
It’s a positive development for the fifth-ranked Bucks, who are gearing up against the fourth-seed Indiana Pacers in their East opening-round playoff showdown. Game 1 of that series will begin on Sunday, April 20.
Facing a familiar foe.@BMO_US Series Preview.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 17, 2025
“The fact that there’s a very good chance that he’s going to play in the playoffs for us, that's godsend to us. Now, we just got to see where he’s [Lillard] at physically and it’s going to take a minute,” Bucks head coach Doc Rivers told reporters.
"Today he did everything. There's no limitations at all."
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 17, 2025
Doc on Dame being cleared for full basketball activity.
Lillard missed the last 14 regular games for Milwaukee due to the same injury that cut San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama’s sophomore season short.
[ALSO READ: Bucks star Damian Lillard out indefinitely due to blood clot in right calf – reports]
The Bucks went 10-4 during their superstar guard’s absence, winning their last eight games en route to qualifying for the postseason for the ninth straight year.
