Earlier this week, the basketball world received shocking news surrounding Milwaukee Bucks star
Damian Lillard.
First reported by Shams Charania, Lillard will remain out indefinitely after sustaining a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A scary yet treatable ailment, it's been confirmed Lillard has begun taking blood thinners.
(Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
Lillard, who's been sidelined since March 18 with calf soreness, found the root of his problems. Although frightening, Lillard is taking the steps, along with the Bucks personnel, to get back to full health. Even though the future is unknown, Lillard has broken his silence on the situation.
“It’s unfortunate that something outside of my control would come up,"Lillard told NBA Insider Chris Haynes. "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.”
While there is optimism on the front, a deep vein thrombosis has affected several athletes this year, and even derailed and ended the career of Chris Bosh. A condition that's affected
Victor Wembayama's
season, along with Brandon Ingram, has now made it's way to Lillard.
FanDuel Bucks NBA Championship Odds For 2024-2025
- Eastern Conference Winner: +10000
- NBA Championship Winner: +250000
- Pre-Season Championship Winner: +1100
Lillard, 34, spend his entire NBA career before traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023. Now in his second season with Milwaukee, the 9-time NBA All-Star was undoubtedly one of the Bucks' x-factors, next to Giannis Antetokounmpo. Playing a solid 58 games for the Bucks this season, Lillard missed 15 games due to various ailments.
The second leading scorer on the Bucks, Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists. Leading the team in minutes per game (36.1), Lillard's shooting percentage have all around increased since his first season in Milwaukee.
One may be wondering how the Damian Lillard injury news impacts the Bucks Championship odds. Even with two superstars such as Giannis and Dame, the Bucks have been some what of a disappointment this season. 40-33, they are hanging on to the No.6 seed in the Eastern Conference by a thread.
Given how well the Pacers and Pistons are playing, the Bucks are on life support. Although they hold a firm five game lead over the Hawks, Milwaukee could very well see themselves as a Play-In tournament by the end of the season.
By trading for Kyle Kuzma at the NBA trade deadline, the Bucks hoped to surge as one of the top teams in the East. Even with the evolution of the two man game between Lillard and Antetokounmpo, the Bucks rank No. 15 in offensive rating, averaging 114.3 points per game. While their defense has much improved from years past, they let off the gas at times.
How Long Can The Milwaukee Bucks Survive Without Damian Lillard
Even though the Bucks remain in playoff contention, they are missing two of their biggest stars, Lillard and Bobby Portis Jr. Now that we look at it, was trading Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma the best option? Kuzma is averaging the lowest point total of his career since the 2020-2021 season, and hasn't provided the Spark the Bucks hoped for.
In addition, this is a team that's already lacked offensive production from the bench. Outside of Lillard, can Ryan Rollins, Gary Trent Jr., and Kevin Porter Jr. pick up the slack in the back court? The simple answer is no. This team lacks chemistry, star power with injuries, and now has dropped three straight against the Knicks, Nuggets, and Suns. Just 4-6 in their last 10 games, the Bucks are trending in the wrong direction.
Without Lillard, the Bucks lose the leader of their backcourt, and their ignition on offense. No matter how you slice it, there's no way Lillard can be replaced by head coach Doc Rivers. It may be a committee or next man up mentality, however, if the season ended now, the Bucks would face the Knicks in the playoffs.
How could the Bucks possibly survive the first round against the New York Knicks without Lillard and Portis. I would argue this team could potentially get bounced by New York even with a full bill of health.
Since Lillard last played, the Bucks have tanked, ranking No. 19 in offensive rating, and No. 13 in defensive rating. With a 2-4 record since, the Bucks were actually heading in the right trajectory.
The Bucks Need A Healthy Lillard, Giannis To Compete
We've seen how this Bucks team has folded in the past, losing stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard in key playoff games. Having started the season with the 7th best odds to win the Championship, their aspirations are quickly fading away. The Bucks have +250000 odds to win the Larry O'Brien Trophy, while the Pacers (+13000), Knicks (+3200), Cavaliers (+500), and Celtics (+185) have all surpassed the Bucks in the East.
I do find it interesting the Bucks have greater odds to win the NBA Championship than the Pistons at +32000. That's most likely due to the fact the Bucks have fifth easiest schedule down the stretch. With nine games to go, the Bucks have yet to face the Pistons two more times, along with the Timberwolves. With that, they await the Heat, Suns, 76ers, Pelicans, and Hawks. Let's not assume those matchups will be a walk in the park.
My prediction is that the Pistons and Pacers will continue to soar with a Lillard-less Bucks team. It's not time to throw in the towel, maybe Lillard will return. However, health is wealth, and recovery is most important. Perhaps it will take a miracle for the Bucks to make a championship run. Even so, it's most likely over for Milwaukee this year.
The entire basketball world is wishing Damian Lillard a healthy and speedy recovery!
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