Undoubtedly, for over a decade, Damian Lillard has been among the hottest point guards in the NBA. Clutch performances? Deep-range bombs? You name it, Lillard’s got it.
Not only that, he has already built a Hall of Fame-worthy career. That said, despite being Mr. Durability for all these years, injuries are finally catching up to the Milwaukee Bucks star in recent seasons.
Damian Lillard’s Latest Injury
Lillard is currently out indefinitely due to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf. While it’s a bummer for the Bucks fans, the truth is, his return from the shelf is still up in the air.
The seven-time All-Star has missed his fair share of games throughout his career. Let’s break down his injury history and its impact over the years.
Lillard’s Major Injuries Throughout His Career
Lillard has been in his prime for way too long: a true role model of consistency. The Portland Trail Blazers picked him as the sixth overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. He played all 82 games each year. He became an elite scorer and playmaker. But still, Lillard rarely missed time due to injury.
Physically, Lillard was on fire during his Portland run. Only missed 25 games total, proving his durability in the league. But things took a wild turn when he suffered a lingering abdominal injury in 2021 that required surgery. After being traded to the Bucks in 2023, he became a major player in the squad. Here are some of his major setbacks:
- Abdominal Injury (2021-2022 Season) – Missed 47 Games.
- Calf Injury and Deep Vein Thrombosis (2025 Season) – Missed 3 Games and counting.
Complete List Of Lillard’s Injuries
Lillard remained remarkably healthy for much of his career. On the flipside, injuries have caused him to miss significant time in recent seasons. Here’s a look at his missed games by season:
2012-2021
- Minor injuries
2021-2022
- Abdominal surgery
2022-2023
- Calf strain
2023-2024
- Ankle sprain
2024-2025
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
Will Lillard Return This Season?
The Bucks are monitoring Lillard’s condition closely. Obviously, they are prioritizing his long-term health over immediate playoff success. But, there is no official timeline for Lillard’s return.
With Lillard’s history of bouncing back from injuries, it’s possible that he can make yet another strong return. He could become the deciding factor to position Milwaukee as a championship contender.
But Lillard’s absence has been a significant blow for the Bucks. Now more than ever, as they gear up for a deep playoff run. The team is noticeably more efficient when he’s on the floor. Mix up his elite scoring and playmaking complementing Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominance, and you get pure magic.
If Lillard remains on the shelf for too long, Milwaukee will take a hit. The team will have to rely heavily on its depth to hold its standing in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks are hopeful he can return before the postseason. But realistically, with DVT, his availability remains uncertain.
For now, all eyes are on his recovery, as the Bucks desperately need their star point guard back on the floor.