Damian Lillard Suffers Potentially Serious Achilles Injury Amid Playoff Return

(Update: The Bucks tweeted and confirmed Lillard's injury | Damian Lillard underwent an MRI today that revealed a torn left Achilles tendon. Lillard will miss the remainder of the 2025 playoffs and undergo surgery to repair the injury.)

Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard, a nine-time All-Star, suffered a potentially devastating injury during Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers. While chasing an offensive rebound off a missed three-pointer by Gary Trent Jr., Lillard suddenly collapsed to the court, immediately reaching for his left calf and Achilles tendon.

At the next stoppage in play, Lillard was unable to put any weight on his left leg. With the assistance of head coach Doc Rivers and the team's medical staff, he gingerly made his way to the bench, before leaning on teammate Andre Jackson Jr. to exit the court and head down the tunnel.

Before the first half had even concluded, the Bucks announced that Lillard would not return to the game, citing a "lower left leg injury." The announcement only heightened concerns surrounding the situation. Shortly after, insider Chris Haynes reported that there is fear Lillard may have suffered a torn left Achilles tendon, which Dr. David Chao agreed with — a devastating injury that could sideline him for an extended period.

This latest setback comes just weeks after Lillard was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right calf on March 25, a condition that initially appeared to end his season. Despite the severity of the diagnosis, Lillard’s camp and the Bucks remained optimistic about a potential return. That comeback materialized in Game 2 against the Pacers.

In his first two games back, Lillard showed signs of rust, understandable after a significant layoff. He shot a combined 6-for-25 from the field in Games 2 and 3, but his presence alone provided a lift for the Bucks. In Game 3, playing in front of the home crowd, Milwaukee pulled away in the second half, with Lillard even delivering a few crucial defensive plays that sparked the team’s energy.

Reports indicated that Lillard had only been cleared to resume running five days before returning to action. Prior to that, he had been restricted from all physical activity while recovering from his deep vein thrombosis diagnosis.

While it's unclear at this time whether conditioning issues contributed to this latest injury, the timing raises significant questions. Lillard's potential loss would be a massive blow to the Bucks' playoff hopes and could have long-term implications for his career.

Sign up to our FREE Weekly Newsletter here for all of our best injury-insights, free injury-based picks and special offers!

HOW TO BET ON THE NFL DRAFT? - USE SIC PICKS!

SIC PICKS ARE BASED ON INSIDER INJURY KNOWLEDGE FROM FORMER PRO SPORTS TEAM DOCTORS TO GIVE YOU A WINNING EDGE IN SPORTS BETTING!

SIC PICKS are powered by the proven SIC Score algorithms from our exclusive panel of former Pro Sports Team doctors to give you a sports betting edge. Each day our team of doctors analyze the players and teams and share their expert insights to help you make informed bets on the biggest unknown to sportsbooks and sports bettors - player health and injuries!  

For our Best Bets including spreads, totals, props and live in game with instant alerts as game day opportunities arise with research notes, sign up to SIC Picks here for less than $2 a day on an annual plan.

Sign up to SIC Picks today to get our picks sent direct to your cell!