Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard is set to miss the start of the NBA playoffs as he recovers from deep vein thrombosis in his right calf.

Lillard has been sidelined since 18 March and will not be ready for Saturday's Game 1 clash with the Indiana Pacers, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.

The Bucks announced on Tuesday that Lillard "has made significant improvements" and will "continue to increase his on-court basketball activity".

However, no official timeframe was set for the nine-time NBA All-Star's return to the court.

Speaking earlier this month, Bucks coach Doc Rivers said he was optimistic Lillard would return at some point this season, but could not guarantee it.

Lillard averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists prior to missing the Bucks' final 14 regular-season games.

UPDATE: Damian Lillard has made significant improvement on his deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. He will continue to increase his on-court basketball activity.

“Damian’s most recent weekly scan shows that his injury has significantly improved which will enable him to move…

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 15, 2025