Like it has consistently over the last several seasons, the injury bug has bitten the Milwaukee Bucks.
In addition to Jericho Sims, who was really thriving in his role, going down with a thumb injury, things worsened when it was announced that Damian Lillard would be out indefinitely with a blood clot. The potential timetable for Lillard to return to the court isn't the most important thing here, as his health comes first, but there has been chatter about him possibly being able to come back this season.
Various outlets have offered possible timetables, but ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania offered what may be the clearest update yet.
NBA insider speaks on Damian Lillard's injury, return to Bucks
Appearing on the Pat McAfee Show, Charania offered the latest he's heard on Lillard, who is getting consistent treatment.
"With blood clots, usually, it's an extended absence, months long absence, but I'm told his treatment started early, they identified what it was, started him on treatment and then they finally got the diagnosis back. He's having doctor appointments every single week to gauge how that blood clot looks in that calf.
My understanding is that doctors are encouraged by where it's at. They see that that blood clot is actually lowering, it's decreasing, it's diminishing, and he's doing some light workouts right now. He's hopeful to get cleared here in the next week, week and a half to go full go, contact and then resume playing in games for the Milwaukee Bucks."
While nothing is set in stone, this is an incredibly positive update. Initially, there was no telling whether or not Damian Lillard would even be able to return this season. Now, he's still undergoing treatment, but it appears that everything is going swimmingly. Charania's timetable of a week to a week and a half to return to basketball activities would undoubtedly be a miraculous turnaround.
Obviously, getting Lillard back would be a shot in the arm for the Milwaukee Bucks, who have been in a bit of a rut lately, despite getting a win over the Phoenix Suns their last time out. Getting back their second-leading scorer and superstar guard would certainly help as they aim to get it together down the stretch and especially in the NBA Playoffs.
Things can always change, but it seems like the Milwaukee Bucks could be getting some needed reinforcements down the stretch. Not only might Lillard return, but Sims should be back in the fold from that thumb injury soon, Bobby Portis' 25-game suspension is nearing an end, and AJ Green's shoulder injury does not appear to be a long-term concern.
No matter who they face in the NBA Playoffs - it's looking like it might be the New York Knicks - the Milwaukee Bucks could certainly use all of the healthy bodies they can get. The biggest factor will be Lillard, and having him on the floor could undoubtedly alter the outlook for the Milwaukee Bucks, who have the chops to make a run if they can simply get healthy.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.