Damian Lillard’s Return Is Nearing

As the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks were warming up for game on on Saturday afternoon, ESPN’s NBA Insider, Shams Charania, provided an update on the Milwaukee Bucks All-Star point guard.

Lillard last played in a game on March 18th, over a month ago. During his 15-game absence, Milwaukee went 10-5 with Giannis Antetokounmpo becoming the team’s point forward. He averaged 31.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game. He recorded four triple-doubles in the 12 games he played in. Milwaukee’s record with Damian Lillard this season was 32-26. Without Lillard the Bucks were 16-8. When they had both Giannis and Lillard, they were 29-22.

“Undoubtedly Damian Lillard is one of the real talents of the NBA, probably still a top thirty player. I think it could be advantage Indiana. Acclimation period after 15 games off, and most importantly, when he is on the floor, the ball goes away from Giannis. You don’t want Giannis having the ball and Damian Lillard is a defensive liability. Those things could be advantage Indiana.” Jake Query on Monday afternoon on Query & Company.

In the four games in the postseason last year, Lillard averaged 31.3 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game. He missed time last year in the series because of an achilles injury. In the four regular season matchups against Indiana, Lillard averaged 18.3 points, 9.3 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game. Despite his lackluster numbers, Milwaukee managed to win the season series 3-1.

After losing by 19 points, surely Milwaukee could use Lillard’s skillset because the Bucks offense lacked flow. Key contributors Kyle Kuzma and Taurean Prince combined for 0 points. Giannis accounted for 23 of Milwaukee’s 84 shots and recorded ONE assist despite playing 38 minutes.

“Damian Lillard is one of the all-time greats, he is as competitive as they come, but still, it’s going to take some time to find that rhythm. If the Pacers are playing that swarming defense they played in game one, that could elongate how long it could take Damian Lillard to find his groove. It is going to be a real challenge. One of the things that could work in Milwaukee’s favor is that even a 75% Damian Lillard is going to attract a lot of attention. That could set up shots and look for other guys on the floor, if they can find their confidence, which they didn’t have in game one.” Michael Grady added on Query & Company Monday afternoon.

What will be interesting to see, is if Lillard does make his return, how many minutes will he be able to play? When dealing with most injuries, you can work on your cardio or get shots up to stay in NBA shape, but you can’t do anything when you’re dealing with a blood clot.

Other topics that Grady discussed with Jake Query were:

• Broadcasting an Indiana Pacers playoff game in Gainbridge Fieldhouse for ESPN
• If he dropped a “trifecta” on purpose when Bennedict Mathurin hit a three in the first half
• Why the Minnesota Timberwolves embrace being underdogs against the Los Angeles Lakers

To listen to Jake Query’s and conversation with Michael Grady, download the podcast containing the conversation below! You can always listen to the Query & Company from 12pm-3pm on 93.5/107.5 The Fan. You can also watch and interact with the show by going to the 107.5 The Fan YouTube Channel.