This story was updated with new information
Damian Lillard will miss time for the Milwaukee Bucks, less than a month before the NBA playoffs begin.
He was listed as out on the team’s injury report for Wednesday’s game against the Denver Nuggets with a right calf strain in the early afternoon.
Lillard was later diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot) in his right calf, the Bucks announced Tuesday night. A timetable for a possible return this season has not been reported.
The veteran guard is ‘on blood-thinning medication, which has stabilized the DVT,’ the Bucks said.
Lillard will continue with regular testing.
‘Damian’s health is our No. 1 priority,’ Bucks GM Jon Horst said in the team’s statement. ‘We will support him as he moves through this weekly process of strict criteria to ensure that it is safe for him to return to play.
‘Doctors have indicated that his situation is very unlikely to occur again. We are thankful that this was identified and medicated quickly, which helps with the recovery.’
The Bucks are fifth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 40-31 record as of Tuesday evening.
Damian Lillard shares reaction
“It’s unfortunate that something outside of my control would come up,” Lillard said. “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.”
What is deep vein thrombosis?
DVT can cause pain or swelling in the leg, but sometimes, there may not be any noticeable symptoms present.
The main cause for DVT is damage to a vein from surgery or inflammation and damage caused by infection or injury.
