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Damian Lillard Out Indefinitely With Blood Clot in Calf

The Milwaukee Bucks guard sustained a deep vein thrombosis in his right calf.
Michael Kadlick|
Lillard has been ruled out by the team indefinitely with a blood clot in his right calf.
Lillard has been ruled out by the team indefinitely with a blood clot in his right calf. | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

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Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks will be without star guard Damian Lillard for an indefinite period of time as, according to ESPN's Shams Charania, he "sustained a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) in his right calf."

Charania added that the 34-year-old is on blood thinning medication that has stabilized the blood clot. He will undergo further testing.

Lillard is averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game this season while shooting 44.8%—including 37.6% from behind the three-point arc.

"It’s unfortunate that something outside of my control would come up," Lillard told NBA insider Chris Haynes in a statement. "Along with the Bucks’ medical staff, our priorities are to protect my health and safety. As much as I love basketball, I need to be there for my kids and my family. I’m grateful the Bucks acted quickly on this. They’ve been supportive and proactive throughout this process. I look forward to moving past this and continuing my career."

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama also suffered a deep vein thrombosis—though his was in his shoulder—earlier this season.. While the 7'3" phenom is set to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign, UCLA vascular surgeon Hugh A. Gelabert, MD told Sports Illustrated back in February that it's "very different" than the blood clot that ended former NBA center Chris Bosh's playing career.

The Bucks return to the court on Wednesday night in Denver to take on the Nuggets. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. EST.

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Mike Kadlick
MICHAEL KADLICK

Mike Kadlick is an NFL writer for Sports Illustrated. He’s also a New England Patriots reporter for CLNS Media, where he hosts the Patriots Daily podcast and covers the beat from Gillette Stadium. Before joining SI, Kadlick worked at WEEI sports radio in Boston. He holds a master’s degree in public relations from Boston University. When Kadlick’s not covering football, he can be found running, spending time with his wife and dog, and enjoying all things pizza.

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