New York Mets
Damian Lillard Set to Return to Bucks’ Lineup for Game 2
The 9-Time NBA All-Star Has Been Cleared to Play Against the Pacers
Playoffs Time
When the NBA news dropped that Damian Lillard was suffering deep vein thrombosis, it appeared his season was likely over. However, there were NBA rumors that he could return for a Milwaukee Bucks playoff run.
Dame Time
There’s good news for Bucks fans. According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Lillard is returning for Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers.
BREAKING: Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard will make his return tonight for Game 2 against Indiana Pacers after dealing with a blood clot that sidelined him for over a month, league sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/Y8qhkbnVwO
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 22, 2025
If you follow NBA scores, you’d know that the Bucks lost 117-98 in Game 1. Lillard has missed a lot of NBA games, but his presence should help Milwaukee. He’s still an elite shooter and the team’s second-best player.
Going down 0-2 would be a tough hole for the Bucks to climb out of.
Can Lillard Get Bucks Back on Track?
The NBA betting odds for the Bucks to win the championship aren’t great. The team has fallen on hard times since winning the championship for the 2020-21 season.
There aren’t many NBA picks and predictions that expect the Bucks to go on a title run despite having one of the three best players in the world.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 36 points in Game 1, and it still wasn’t enough. The team really needs Lillard to come in and give a boost.
Damian Lillard just told us at Bucks shootaround that he’s playing tonight. pic.twitter.com/WAGkFr3PyQ
— Tony East (@TonyREast) April 22, 2025
He’s been a very strong playoff performer in the past, but he is older now. Lillard used to be able to win the series essentially by himself. He now has one of the best players in the world to help him.
Game 2 might be tough for him. It’s likely that he’ll only play limited minutes as he works himself back into game shape. Luckily, his shooting is his best asset, and that should be quick for him to pick back up.
The Bucks have been disappointing this season, but a first-round exit could lead to sweeping changes for the organization.
