Damian Lillard will be sidelined indefinitely after suffering a blood clot in his right calf, the Milwaukee Bucks announced on Tuesday night.
The team said that Lillard, 34, is on blood-thinning medication and the clot has been stabilized.
However, he will continue receiving medical tests and it’s unclear when he will return to the court.
‘It’s unfortunate that something outside of my control would come up. Along with the Bucks’ medical staff, our priorities are to protect my health and safety,’ he told reporter Chris Haynes.
‘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.’
Milwaukee (40-31) has 11 games remaining this regular season before the playoffs begin.
Damian Lillard has been sidelined indefinitely after sustaining a blood clot, the Bucks said
Lillard was named an All-Star for the ninth time this season, and is averaging 24.9 points
The Bucks are the No. 5 seed in the East and expected to participate in the playoffs, which begin April 19.
However, there is concern that Lillard could be done for the rest of the year.
Brian Sutterer, a sports medicine doctor, said on his X page that treatment for blood clots is typically a minimum of three months, and expressed doubt that Lillard would return this season.
Lillard, a nine-time All-Star, is having a strong season for Milwaukee.
The former Blazers star is averaging 24.9 points and 7.1 assists while shooting 37.6 percent from three-point range.
He’s been mostly healthy this season outside of the blood clot, playing in 58 of Milwaukee’s 71 games to date.
The Bucks’ next game is against the Nuggets on Wednesday night.
