Milwaukee Bucks superstar Damian Lillard will miss the start of the 2025 NBA playoffs, the team announced. Milwaukee opens its first-round series with the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that team is optimistic Lillard can suit up "at some point" this postseason.

Damian Lillard has been sidelined from the court in recent weeks due to blood clot issues. In that context, the Milwaukee Bucks star sent a clear message about his retirement plans. A few weeks ago, the Milwaukee Bucks received tough news when it was confirmed that Damian Lillard would be out due to blood clot issues—a condition similar to the one that ended the season for San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard remains out for the NBA playoffs, but is on the mend, the team announced Tuesday. Per the team, Lillard’s deep vein thrombosis in his right calf has improved and he will continue to increase his on-court basketball activity.