Damian Lillard Cleared of DVT, Steps Up Comeback Plans

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard has officially been cleared of the deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf, the team announced on Thursday. While he remains sidelined for Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers, Lillard is now set to begin contact workouts as he continues ramping up toward a return.

In addition to being cleared, Lillard is no longer taking the blood-thinning medications that were prescribed as part of his DVT treatment.

“We’re thrilled for Dame,” said Bucks general manager Jon Horst in a statement. “His health has always been our top priority. We’re incredibly grateful to our medical staff for identifying and treating the DVT early, and to the world-renowned hematology experts at the Mayo Clinic.

“Every stage of Dame’s recovery has followed strict guidance from elite medical professionals, and their protocols have paved the way for his safe and healthy return.”

According to the team, Lillard will continue to gradually increase his on-court activity in preparation for a full return to action.

UPDATE: Damian Lillard has been cleared for full basketball activity as the deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf has resolved and he is no longer on blood-thinning medication.

“We’re thrilled for Dame,” said Bucks General Manager Jon Horst. “Our priority has always been…

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 17, 2025

Earlier this week, the Milwaukee Bucks shared a promising update on Damian Lillard’s recovery, revealing that his deep vein thrombosis (DVT) had significantly improved. As a result, the All-Star guard has been cleared to safely ramp up his basketball activity.

“Damian’s most recent weekly scan shows that his injury has significantly improved, which will enable him to move ahead safely with increased basketball activity,” said Bucks general manager Jon Horst. “Damian’s health remains our No. 1 priority. We have followed strict protocols and will continue to do so. We are pleased with the positive news about Damian’s progress.”

The Bucks are set to open their first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday (1 p.m. ET, ESPN).

Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel, and in Lillard’s case, it developed in his right calf — a relatively common area for DVT. The 34-year-old becomes the second notable NBA player diagnosed with DVT this season, following San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama, who dealt with the condition in his shoulder post-All-Star break.

Lillard wrapped up the regular season ranked 10th in both scoring (24.9 points per game) and assists (7.1 per game), earning his ninth career All-Star selection. Despite his absence over the final stretch of the season, Milwaukee posted a 10-4 record in their last 14 games and enter the playoffs riding an eight-game winning streak.

The Bucks have faced a string of untimely injuries in recent playoff runs. Khris Middleton missed the entirety of the 2022 Eastern Conference semifinals against Boston due to a sprained MCL. Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a lower back contusion in Game 1 of last year’s playoffs and didn’t return until Game 4 — Milwaukee lost that first-round series to Miami in five games. In last season’s matchup against Indiana, Antetokounmpo was sidelined with a calf strain, and Lillard missed two games due to an Achilles issue.