The Milwaukee Bucks have somehow made their way through their early-season struggles and Damian Lillard's absence. The nine time NBA All-Star last featured on the court on March 18, when he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, which is a blood clot, on his right calf.
Milwaukee Bucks' Damian Lillard might return during the playoffs
Despite his absence, the Milwaukee Bucks were able to secure the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference. While they start their playoffs without their star player, his potential return is not out of the question.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Bucks are optimistic that Lillard will be back in action during the playoffs as Bucks eyes championship.
The Milwaukee Bucks are all set to face Indiana Pacers in the opening round. There has been no official announcement on whether Lillard will be back during the first round and there is no clear timetable for his return yet.
After it was announced that Lillard has blood clot, the Bucks' postseason hopes came into question. They won their first two games following the announcement but then lost four on the trot. But, they were able to turn the tables in their favor as they went on to win seven consecutive games.
Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins stepped up in Damian Lillard's absence
Losing a player of Damian Lillard's calibre would hurt any team as it did the same to Milwaukee Bucks. Apart from Giannis Antetokounmpo's brilliance, two players have further stepped up in the absence of Lillard in the form of Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins.
Ever since Lillard has been on the sidelines, Rollins has been a starter but has only missed two games. Since then, he averages 10.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Prior to March 20, Rollins was averaging 4.8 ppg, 1.6 rpg and 1.2 apg.
He has never managed to score 20 points in a game but now has two to his name, ever since he has started being a regular. He scored 20 points against the New York Knicks on March 28 and 23 points against Phoenix Suns on April 1.
Same is the case with Porter Jr. as before March 20, he averaged 9.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.1 apg and 1.0 spg. Ever since he started being a regular starter, his averages 14.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game. During this stretch, Porter Jr. mostly used to come off the bench except two games which includes one against Denver Nuggets (March 26) and the other against New Orleans Pelicans (April 6). Interestingly, Rollins didn't feature in both of these games.