The NBA playoffs are getting ready to begin, and many teams are dealing with injuries as the postseason approaches. For some teams, injuries will be the reason they only make it so far in these playoffs. The Milwaukee Bucks could very well be one of those teams.
Since losing their superstar point guard Damian Lillard, the Bucks are in a strange place. They’ve managed to maintain their standing to make the playoffs, but it could be yet another early out for the Bucks.
As the Bucks prepare for a tough series against the Indiana Pacers in the first round, they will have to be without their star guard, which could have heavy implications on their playoff future.
Damian Lillard To Miss Start of Playoffs
Lillard was diagnosed with blood clots back in March, effectively taking him out of the team’s rotation for the foreseeable future. There was some hope that perhaps Lillard would be ready for the start of the playoffs, but the latest report on his status highlights the unfortunate fact that nothing has changed.
Shams Charania of ESPN announced that Lillard will miss the start of the playoffs, giving the Bucks a few days to figure out their plan of attack now against the Pacers. Lillard, who had a good season before the blood clots issue, was an integral part of the Bucks winning the NBA Cup earlier during the season.
Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard (blood clot) will miss the start of the NBA playoffs, sources tell ESPN. Bucks play Game 1 of the first round against the Pacers on Saturday. Lillard has been sidelined since March 18, and doctors continue to monitor progress for clearance. pic.twitter.com/W8CqbSt3G1
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 15, 2025
Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists this season, helping the Bucks find success as their second option. With Lillard out for the start of the series, the Bucks will have to try to avoid falling into an insurmountable deficit. The Bucks are hopeful that Lillard could return sometime before the end of the series, but there’s no telling how that will look for the Bucks when the time comes.
Can the Bucks Defeat the Pacers?
The Bucks still have Giannis Antetokounmpo on the floor, and he’s arguably been one of the top three players this season. With that being said, if the defense tends to focus strictly on Antetokounmpo, the Bucks will have some tough challenges ahead.
Kevin Porter Jr. could provide a spark off the bench, while Gary Trent Jr. will likely get more opportunities with Lillard out. It remains to be seen what Kyle Kuzma does for this team in the postseason and if Bobby Portis can make an impact, but they will have to take it one game at a time.
Can the Bucks rely on Antetokounmpo to carry them until Lillard is back? His recent string of triple-doubles suggests that he could, but time will tell just how far the Bucks can go without Lillard on the floor.