Damian Lillard upgraded to questionable for game two against Pacers as Bucks seek playoff boost

Bucks star Damian Lillard could return for game two against the Pacers after recovering from blood clot in calf.

Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on March 28, 2025. Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The Milwaukee Bucks received a potential game-changing update ahead of game two in their NBA playoff series against the Indiana Pacers: Damian Lillard has officially been upgraded to "questionable." The announcement comes just a month after the All-Star guard was diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf, a serious condition that kept him sidelined for over four weeks.

Lillard, who has not played since March 18, missed the final 14 games of the regular season and was absent during the Bucks’ lopsided 117-98 loss to the Pacers in game one of their Eastern Conference first-round series. Now, as the Bucks prepare to even the series on their home court, the possibility of Lillard’s return offers a glimmer of hope.

The 34-year-old point guard participated in his first full practice on Thursday, after team doctors cleared him following his recovery from the blood clot and cessation of the blood-thinning medication required to treat the condition.

Lillard makes progress after health scare

Lillard’s health status has been a major storyline for the Bucks over the past month, with concern mounting after the deep vein thrombosis diagnosis was made public. While DVT is a potentially life-threatening condition, especially if left untreated, the Bucks medical staff moved quickly and effectively in treating it.

Now with the clot dissolved and treatment complete, Lillard has taken the first steps toward returning to NBA action. Still, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers tempered expectations, stressing that while Lillard’s progression is a positive sign, rushing back to playoff-level conditioning isn’t realistic.

“You don’t miss all that and just jump back in,” Rivers said Thursday. “It’s just going to take a minute. I mean, it’s not like he’s been injured and working out. He’s been injured— and that’s what we can call it now, I guess— without working. That’s hard.”

According to Rivers, any decision to bring Lillard back into the lineup will depend not just on medical clearance, but also on his readiness from a physical and cardiovascular standpoint.

Bucks need offensive spark after game one loss

Milwaukee’s performance in game one highlighted just how critical Lillard’s presence could be. Despite a 36-point effort from two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks struggled offensively, with little production coming from the rest of the roster.

Without Lillard, Milwaukee lacked perimeter shooting and floor spacing, making them easier to defend for a young and aggressive Indiana squad. Lillard, who averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists during the regular season, brings the kind of dynamic scoring and veteran leadership the Bucks desperately need to regain control of the series.

The Pacers, led by rising star Tyrese Haliburton and supported by a deep, balanced roster, capitalized on Milwaukee’s offensive gaps. They outpaced the Bucks in transition and dominated second-chance opportunities. Without Lillard’s offensive gravity, defenders collapsed on Antetokounmpo, limiting his passing lanes and daring others to shoot—an approach that paid off handsomely in the series opener.

Lillard’s return could shift series momentum

The potential return of Damian Lillard in game two would significantly alter the dynamics of the series. Not only does he provide scoring, but his ability to draw defenders and create shots for others would open up the floor for Milwaukee’s role players.

In addition to his offensive skills, Lillard’s playoff experience—especially his reputation for clutch performances—could be invaluable for a Bucks team still adjusting to Rivers' system following the mid-season coaching change.

The Bucks made a blockbuster move to acquire Lillard from Portland in the offseason, forming a superstar duo with Antetokounmpo that promised championship aspirations. But injuries and inconsistency have defined much of Milwaukee’s season, and Lillard’s calf issue was the latest setback in what’s been a turbulent campaign.

Recovery timeline and potential return scenarios

Even if Lillard is upgraded to active status for game two, it’s likely that the Bucks will monitor his minutes carefully. Given his extended absence from full-contact basketball and the risk of re-injury or fatigue, the coaching staff may opt to ease him back gradually.

There is also the strategic factor to consider. If the Bucks can steal game two without overexerting Lillard, they could preserve him for what is expected to be a physical and fast-paced series. On the other hand, dropping the first two games at home would put them in a difficult hole heading into Indiana.

Whether Lillard starts or comes off the bench, his leadership alone may energize a roster that seemed out of sync in game one. Rivers hinted that Lillard’s presence—even in a limited role—could serve as a morale boost.

“Just having him out there, seeing him warm up, going through drills—it lifts the whole group,” Rivers said. “We’re hopeful. But we’re also being smart.”

Playoff implications for Milwaukee

The Bucks entered the postseason as one of the Eastern Conference’s top contenders, but the absence of Damian Lillard has left them vulnerable. Milwaukee's depth has been tested all season, and against a confident, fast-paced Indiana team, the lack of backcourt firepower was exposed.

If Lillard can return to even 80 percent of his usual self, it could be enough to shift momentum back in the Bucks’ favor. The franchise is banking on the pairing of Lillard and Antetokounmpo to deliver another title run—anything less would mark a disappointing end to a season that began with sky-high expectations.

As game two approaches, all eyes are on Lillard. His upgraded status from out to questionable signals hope—but questions remain about how soon, and how effectively, he can contribute.