By Shawn Stewart
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Milwaukee Bucks superstar guard Damian Lillard is out for an indefinite period with a blood clot in his right calf.
Charania added that Lillard is on blood-thinning medication, which has stabilized the blood clot. Lillard has missed the Bucks’ last three games with a lingering calf issue.
“Damian’s health is our No. 1 priority,” said Bucks general manager John Horst. “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.”
Prior to the news, the Bucks ruled Lillard out of Wednesday’s contest against the Denver Nuggets. Lillard has been stellar for the Bucks this season, averaging 24.9 points per game, 4.7 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting 44.8 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from three in 58 games and 36.1 minutes of action.
Lillard last played on March 18 against the Golden State Warriors, and he was below his standards. In 38 minutes of action, he only tallied 16 points on 33 percent shooting from the field.
Prior to the news, Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel spoke to Lillard, and he wasn’t too concerned with his calf issue.
“It’s been frustrating just obviously not being able to play this point in the season, but just trying to learn more,” he said.
“Just the normal soreness,” he said. “I’m not sure how much I could actually be doing about it, so it’s still at that stage.”
In December, the 34-year-old missed three games in 10 days due to a strain in his right calf. Only time will tell whether this new blood clot issue stems from that.
Milwaukee currently holds the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Bucks are two games behind the No.4 seed Indiana Pacers and have a half-game lead over the No.6 seed Detroit Pistons. Lillard missed two games in the first round of the playoffs last season against the Pacers. Milwaukee lost that series in six games.