Report: Bucks' Lillard expected back for Game 2 or 3 of opening round

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard is expected to return from deep vein thrombosis in either Game 2 or Game 3 of the team's opening-round matchup versus the Indiana Pacers, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Saturday.

Lillard hasn't played since March 18 because of the issue, but he is reportedly no longer taking blood-thinning medication.

Doctors informed the Bucks that Lillard's recovery was unprecedented, crediting the small size of the clot and the early detection for his rapid return, per Charania.

The 34-year-old has been cleared for full-contact workouts and was at the team's practice Thursday.

Lillard was averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 58 regular-season games for the Bucks.

The Pacers will be hosts for Games 1 and 2 on Saturday and Tuesday, respectively, before the series heads to Milwaukee for Game 3 on Friday.