Lillard has been ruled out for Game 1 of the Bucks' upcoming first-round clash with the Indiana Pacers, but he could return to the floor before the series comes to a close. His potential presence on the court could help Milwaukee win its first playoff series since 2022.

As the Milwaukee Bucks prepare to face the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday, Damian Lillard is entering the postseason with a fresh perspective—and a powerful message. Reflecting on a recent health scare that kept him off the floor, Lillard opened up about how the experience gave him a new outlook.

Ausar Thompson, the Detroit Pistons’ high-flying 22-year-old wing, was diagnosed with a blood clot in March 2024 and did not return to the court until November. Chris Bosh, who played with the Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat and retired in 2019, had a pulmonary embolism before eventually being diagnosed with DVT.