DAMIAN LILLARD NEWS

Damian Lillard's 35-point 1st half helps Bucks beat Pacers without Giannis in playoff opener MILWAUKEE (AP) — Damian Lillard’s sensational start ensured the Milwaukee Bucks would fare just fine without Giannis Antetokounmpo in their...

APRIL 22, 2024 • STANDARD.NET

Damian Lillard sets Bucks playoff record with 35 points in 1st half | NBA.com The 8-time All-Star puts on a record-setting performance in the 1st half of Game 1 against Indiana.

APRIL 22, 2024 • NBA.COM

Damian Lillard scores 35 as Bucks defeat Pacers in Game 1 without Giannis Antetokounmpo Damian Lillard scored all 35 of his points in the first half to fuel the host Milwaukee Bucks to a Game 1 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

APRIL 22, 2024 • USATODAY.COM

Damian Lillard's 35-point 1st half helps Bucks beat Pacers 109-94 without Giannis in playoff opener

Damian Lillard scored all 35 of his points before halftime and the Milwaukee Bucks withstood the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo to defeat...

APRIL 22, 2024 • FOX SPORTS

Lillard scores 35 in return to playoffs, Bucks defeat Pacers The former Blazers star appeared in his first playoff game since 2021.

APRIL 22, 2024 • OREGONLIVE.COM

Damian Lillard's 35-point 1st half helps Bucks beat Pacers 109-94 without Giannis in playoff opener

Damian Lillard scored all 35 of his points before halftime and the Milwaukee Bucks withstood the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo to defeat the Indiana Pacers 109-94 in their Easte...

APRIL 22, 2024 • Associated Press

Lillard's unusual night in Bucks' win includes 35 points in first half and 0 in second half

Damian Lillard couldn’t be stopped in the first half and couldn’t score a point in the second

APRIL 22, 2024 • Associated Press

Not listed on injury report Lillard (adductor) is not in the official injury report for Sunday's game against the Pacers.

Impact The Bucks are listing Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) as doubtful for the series opener. Still, there's no mention of Lillard, and given that he practiced Friday with no problems, he should be able to handle his regular workload, and even carry the team offensively in the absence of Antetokounmpo, for the series opener Sunday. Lillard averaged 24.3 points, 7.0 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game during the regular season, and his usage rate should increase considerably in the playoffs as long as Antetokounmpo remains out.

APRIL 20, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Defending Damian Lillard: How can Pacers slow down the Bucks star? "They’re a very different team when we played them earlier in the year," says Aaron Nesmith of the Pacers' success against the Bucks.

APRIL 20, 2024 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Back at practice Friday Lillard (adductor) practiced Friday, Eric Nehm of The Athletic reports.

Impact Lillard didn't practice Tuesday or Wednesday to rest lingering injuries but is trending in the right direction after putting in a full session Friday. However, his status for Game 1 of the opening-round series against Indiana on Saturday likely won't be known until Saturday afternoon.

APRIL 19, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Lillard practices fully and Antetokounmpo remains out of live drills as Bucks prepare for playoffs

Damian Lillard practiced fully but Giannis Antetokounmpo remained out of live drills Friday as the Milwaukee Bucks continued getting ready for Sunday’s playoff opener against the I...

APRIL 19, 2024 • Associated Press

Bucks' Damian Lillard makes progress with his adductor issue before the start of the playoffs

Damian Lillard took a small step forward Wednesday in his bid to be ready for the start of the Milwaukee Bucks’ Eastern Conference first-round playoff series with the Indiana Pacer...

APRIL 17, 2024 • Associated Press

Still not practicing, status TBD Lillard didn't practice Tuesday or Wednesday due to lingering groin and abductor injuries, Jamal Collier of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Lillard has been dealing with the injuries for the last three weeks and missed four of the Bucks' final nine regular-season games. The superstar sharpshooter said Tuesday he won't be 100 percent for the postseason but added that no one is at this point in the campaign. Coach Doc Rivers said tests on Lillard's lower body returned clean but added that he still wanted to give his point guard "a little more rest."

APRIL 17, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

The Bucks Need Playoff Damian Lillard Now More Than Ever With Giannis Antetokounmpo banged up, Milwaukee needs Lillard to elevate his game.

APRIL 16, 2024 • SI.COM

Damian Lillard returns to playoffs with Milwaukee Bucks as No. 3 seed in Eastern Conference The former Blazers' star last appeared in a playoff game in 2021.

APRIL 15, 2024 • OREGONLIVE.COM

Struggles from field in defeat Lillard ended with 16 points (2-14 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 12-13 FT), four rebounds, two assists and one steal in 30 minutes during Sunday's 113-88 loss to the Magic.

Impact Lillard returned for Sunday's regular-season finale after missing Milwaukee's previous game with adductor soreness, struggling from the field despite ending north of 15 points thanks to a strong showing at the free-throw line in a losing effort. Lillard tied a season-low in field goals made Sunday, though he posted his 11th game with 12 or more three throw made. The Bucks hope Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo are able to get healthy and back to 100 percent as the postseason gets underway.

APRIL 15, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Officially available Sunday Lillard (adductor) has been cleared for Sunday's game against Orlando.

Impact Lillard will take the court as Milwaukee's leader once again with Giannis Antetokounmpo missing a third consecutive contest due to a calf injury. A win secures the two seed in the Eastern Conference for Milwaukee, signifying an opportunity for second-round home court advantage in the playoffs.

APRIL 14, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Expected to play Sunday Lillard (adductor) is listed as probable for Sunday's game versus the Magic.

Impact Lillard is expected to return to action Sunday after missing Milwaukee's previous contest with left adductor soreness. If the star point guard is upgraded to available, either Patrick Beverley or Malik Beasley will likely head back to the bench.

APRIL 13, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Bucks won't have either Lillard or Antetokounmpo for Friday's game at Oklahoma City

The Milwaukee Bucks won’t have either Giannis Antetokounmpo or Damian Lillard available for their Friday night game with the Oklahoma City Thunder

APRIL 12, 2024 • Associated Press

Officially ruled out Lillard (adductor) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Thunder.

Impact As expected, Lillard has been downgraded from doubtful to out and will join Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) on the sidelines. Lillard's last chance to suit up during the regular season will come Sunday in Orlando.

APRIL 12, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Unlikely to play Friday Lillard is listed as doubtful for Friday's game versus the Thunder due to left adductor soreness.

Impact Lillard presumably suffered his injury against Orlando and is expected to miss Friday's contest. Patrick Beverley and Malik Beasley will likely see increased playing time if the star guard is ruled out against Oklahoma City.

APRIL 11, 2024 • ROTOWIRE