Damian Lillard celebrates quick blood clot recovery; no timetable for return

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The Milwaukee Bucks clear star guard Damian Lillard from a right-calf blood clot in record time, but still exercise caution ahead of the NBA playoffs

Milwaukee Bucks star guard Damian Lillard has been cleared for full basketball activity, the team announced Thursday (Friday, April 18, Manila time).

He had been treated for deep vein thrombosis in his right calf and was taking blood-thinning medication, forcing him to sit out the final 14 games of the regular season. The team said he is no longer on the medication.

He will not play in Game 1 of the first-round playoff series between the No. 5 Bucks (48-34) and the No. 4 Pacers (50-32) in Indianapolis on Saturday (Sunday, April 20, Manila time).

“We’re thrilled for Dame,” Bucks general manager Jon Horst said. “Our priority has always been Dame’s health. We’re grateful to our medical team for diagnosing and treating his DVT at an early stage, and for the world-renown hematology specialists at Mayo Clinic.”

“Every step of Dame’s recovery has been at the direction of world-class medical professionals and their specific and strict protocols that have allowed for Dame’s safe and healthy return to play.”

The team said Lillard, 34, will “continue to increase” his basketball activity as he prepares to return to play but didn’t offer a timeline.

On the season, the nine-time All-Star averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 58 games. Over 900 career games with the Portland Trail Blazers (2012-23) and Bucks, he has averages of 25.1 points, 6.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds. – Rappler.com