With four days until Game 1 of their first-round series against the Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers told reporters Tuesday that the organization is “hopeful” that point guard Damian Lillard will be able to play at some point in the series, though the team’s most recent update keeps the nine-time All-Star out indefinitely.
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“We’re hopeful,” Rivers said when asked if there was any possibility of Lillard playing in the first round. “We’re just following the protocols, so we’ll see, but we don’t know yet.”
Lillard, 33, missed the final 14 games of the regular season and was diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) in his right calf on March 25. He averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game in 58 games this season. Ahead of Tuesday’s practice, the Bucks offered their latest health update on Lillard in a prepared statement.
“Damian’s most recent weekly scan shows that his injury has significantly improved, which will enable him to move ahead safely with increased basketball activity,” Bucks general manager Jon Horst said in a statement. “Damian’s health remains our No. 1 priority. We have followed strict protocols and will continue to do so. We are pleased with the positive news about Damian’s progress.”
When asked to explain what increased basketball activity meant for Lillard, Rivers said that Lillard has been able to do more intense individual work, more shooting and exert himself more in workouts, but he still can only participate in non-contact drills.
While Lillard remains unavailable, reserve big man Jericho Sims participated in most of Tuesday’s practice, according to Rivers. The Bucks coach told reporters he expects Sims, who underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb on March 17 and missed the Bucks’ final 15 regular-season games, to be available for Game 1 Saturday in Indianapolis.
The Bucks enter the playoffs on an eight-game winning streak, tied with the LA Clippers for the longest in the league.
(Photo of Damian Lillard: Benny Sieu / Imagn Images)
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