The Bucks were dealt a potentially devastating blow in Game 4 of their first-round series with the Pacers.
Less than six minutes into the game, All-Star guard Damian Lillard went down with a non-contact left lower leg injury feared to be severe. He remained down before receiving help off the court and did not return to the game.
The injury occurred in Lillard’s third game back from a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf.
Before Lillard’s injury was confirmed, head coach Doc Rivers and All-Star teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo both took on an introspective tone when speaking about Lillard, what he’s gone through, and what he is potentially facing.
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Here is everything to know about Lillard’s injury, including a potential diagnosis and what it will mean for his immediate and distant future.
What is Damian Lillard’s injury?
Lillard suffered a torn left Achilles tendon, per the Bucks.
While there are a series of manual tests that can determine the severity of an Achilles injury, Lillard underwent an MRI on Monday for the confirmed diagnosis. The Bucks shared that he will miss the remainder of the 2025 playoffs and undergo surgery to repair the injury.
After the game, Rivers said, “They’re going to do an image tomorrow. Obviously, it’s lower leg, and just being honest, it’s not very promising.”
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Lillard suffered a non-contact injury midway through the first quarter of Milwaukee’s Game 4 loss to Indiana. As he attempted to make a play on a loose ball, Lillard appeared to trip and fell to the ground before immediately grabbing at his left heel.
Dame leaves the game with an apparent injury
Hope he’s okay ? pic.twitter.com/ak4Ia59nL9
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 28, 2025
A visually exasperated Lillard sat on the ground for a moment before the Bucks intentionally fouled to stop play. Lillard was helped to the locker room and reportedly left the arena in a walking boot and on crutches.
After the game, the Bucks shared a heartfelt post with the image of Lillard immediately after the injury, again suggesting it is a severe issue.
Love you, Dame. ? pic.twitter.com/Kx5vghnbCN
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 28, 2025
How long will Damian Lillard be out?
After suffering a torn Achilles tendon, Lillard will likely miss the entirety of the 2025-26 NBA season. He will turn 35 this offseason, and while the injury comes with an average recovery time of around 10 months for basketball players, there is a precedent of it causing players to miss a full season.
In recent years, Suns star Kevin Durant and Mavericks star Klay Thompson each missed full seasons with Achilles injuries. Both players were years younger than Lillard when they sustained the injury.
Lillard’s age could impact the approach to rehab and recovery.
Bucks vs. Pacers series schedule
Here is the series schedule for the first-round series between Indiana and Milwaukee. Through four games, the Pacers lead 3-1.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Saturday, April 19 | Pacers 117, Bucks 98 | ||
| Tuesday, April 22 | Pacers 123, Bucks 115 | ||
| Friday, April 25 | Bucks 117, Pacers 101 | ||
| Sunday, April 27 | Pacers 129, Bucks 103 | ||
| Tuesday, April 29 | Game 5 at Indiana | 6 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Friday, May 2 | Game 6 at Milwaukee* | TBD | TBD |
| Sunday, May 4 | Game 7 at Indiana* | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary.
