Bucks' Damian Lillard Cleared of Deep Vein Thrombosis Amid NBA Playoffs

In a surprising twist, Damian Lillard might make an appearance this postseason after all.

The Milwaukee Bucks announced Wednesday that doctors have cleared the star of his deep vein thrombosis and he no longer requires blood-thinning medication:

Lillard, 34, was sidelined indefinitely last month after his diagnosis, and at the time, it seemed unlikely he would play again in the 2024-25 season. He missed the final 14 games of the regular season.

Depending on his timeline for return, however, he could end up playing a significant part in a potential deep run for the Bucks this postseason.

When healthy this season, Lillard averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists per game, shooting 44.8 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from three. Any team with a one-two punch of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard is a threat, and while the Eastern Conference seems like a two-team race between the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers, a healthy Lillard makes things all the more interesting.

Granted, it's unclear if he will be cleared in time for any of the team's first-round matchup with the Indiana Pacers, a tough team in its own right that has become a fairly heated rival for these Bucks in recent years. The Bucks did win the season series 3-1, however, and finished the regular season on an eight-game winning streak.

Regardless, Wednesday's news is an excellent, and very surprising, development for Lillard, the Bucks and NBA fans in general. Postseason Dame is always a fun and often memorable watch.