Damian Lillard

[mufan2003]

https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1904690620838400427

https://x.com/MEDspirationNFP/status/1904795539570299288

https://x.com/DrJesseMorse/status/1904748163098952040

Unbelievable, the Bucks' luck with something happening to key players right before the playoffs or in the first round of the playoffs:

2022 - Middleton
2023 - Giannis
2024 - Giannis
2025 - Lillard

I have no words, I saw one report (citing a league source) that said he may have a chance to return in the playoffs. The medical explanation sure seems to indicate his season is done.

[mufan2003]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6229321/2025/03/25/bucks-damian-lillard-blood-clot/

Lillard is expected to be out indefinitely, but a league source told The Athletic that there is a great deal of optimism that he will return this season.

According to a league source who was close to the situation, concern about the nature of Lillard's injury escalated on Thursday. He missed his first game that night, in Los Angeles against the Lakers, and continued experiencing discomfort and pain beyond the typical calf strain. The source said Lillard had experienced similar symptoms in the past and wanted clarity on the cause.

A rigorous discovery process began from there, with Lillard eventually visiting with five of the top hematologists in the United States, either in person (including at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix on Tuesday) or via Zoom. Each of the specialists received his MRIs and sonograms as part of the process. Lillard began taking blood thinners on Friday, the source said, adding that there are encouraging signs that the treatment is working well.

[mufan2003]

https://x.com/ESPNNBA/status/1904980656427327803

[mufan2003]

https://x.com/Bucks_Breakdown/status/1907490044161781793

Encouraging news regarding Lillard. The last regular season game is Sunday, April 13. Not sure you bring Dame back worrying about seeding (i.e. fighting for the #5). A week off after the regular season ends, with the first playoff game Saturday (4/19) or Sunday (4/20), assuming you do not drop below the #6 seed. Bobby Portis returning soon as well. Just give me a full deck by the time game 1 of the playoffs rolls around, have not had that since the championship year.

[Goose85]

So now both Lillard and Jayson Tatum will be out with achilles.

Celtics may need to make some moves to reduce their crazy high salary as their five starters alone make over $200 mil.

Will be interesting to see how both teams address the off season as a result of these injuries.

[mufan2003]

I never want to see a player get injured, but I certainly don't feel sorry for Celtics fans or that franchise. What goes around comes around....and they were quite arrogant about Middleton being out in 2022. Besides, the Celtics were on their way towards losing to the Knicks in game 4 before Tatum went down. Brunson has been so good.

Celtics cannot keep everyone. There is an inevitable shakeup coming there. All of a sudden, if you can keep KPJ, Green, Trent, Portis, Giannis......you may not be as bad in the East as you think. Continue the youth movement around Giannis, even if you have to suffer a year or two of being average.......Lillard should be your lone older vet.....unless Brook takes vet minimum to come off the bench.

[Goose85]

I never want to see a player get injured, but I certainly don't feel sorry for Celtics fans or that franchise. What goes around comes around....and they were quite arrogant about Middleton being out in 2022. Besides, the Celtics were on their way towards losing to the Knicks in game 4 before Tatum went down. Brunson has been so good.

Celtics cannot keep everyone. There is an inevitable shakeup coming there. All of a sudden, if you can keep KPJ, Green, Trent, Portis, Giannis......you may not be as bad in the East as you think. Continue the youth movement around Giannis, even if you have to suffer a year or two of being average.......Lillard should be your lone older vet.....unless Brook takes vet minimum to come off the bench.

Bring back Brook on a lower cost deal. It's a long season and I think he will be needed. Should also help to keep Giannis happy. Not sure who else we would be able to sign for that spot.

See of Porter, Green, Trent can develop into players. Maybe Rollins too. You would think they should want to come back as this is likely their best opportunity for minutes and development.
Is Kuzma just a waste, or can he actually play? Plenty of opportunity next year for him to prove something.