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, which usually 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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