Report: Lillard cleared of blood clot, can resume contact workouts

Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard has been medically cleared of deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.

Lillard remains out for Game 1 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. However, the 34-year-old is reportedly no longer taking blood-thinning medication and can resume contact workouts to ramp up for a potential return.

Lillard practiced Thursday, sources told Sam Amick of The Athletic. A firm return date reportedly depends on how his ramp-up proceeds.

The Bucks were reported Tuesday to be optimistic that Lillard would be cleared to return this postseason. General manager Jon Horst said the guard's latest weekly scan showed significant improvement, though he hadn't been approved for contact at the time.

Lillard, a nine-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA selection, missed the team's final 14 games after a blood clot was discovered in his calf. He's the second player to receive a deep vein thrombosis diagnosis this season; San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama's season was cut short immediately following the All-Star break due to the same issue affecting his right shoulder.

Doctors informed the Bucks that they'd never seen someone recover from deep vein thrombosis in three weeks as Lillard has, according to Charania, crediting early detection and quick treatment.

Lillard scored 24.9 points per game and added 7.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 58 appearances throughout his second regular season in Milwaukee, posting shooting splits of 44.8/37.6/92.1.