Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers provided an optimistic update on Damian Lillard, who is recovering from deep vein thrombosis in his calf. Rivers noted that Lillard, absent for the eighth consecutive game, is feeling good and that there’s "much more hope today" for his return this season. The Bucks chose not to take Lillard on their road trip to avoid exacerbating the injury.

As the regular season approaches its conclusion, Rivers acknowledged the team is bracing for the possibility of Lillard being sidelined for the playoffs. They are focusing on adjusting their strategies without him, particularly managing Giannis Antetokounmpo's minutes. The Bucks are currently in a tight race for playoff positioning, needing to nab the fifth seed to secure a more favorable postseason route. Rivers highlighted the need to address turnover issues that have plagued the team, stressing that efficiency in shot attempts will be pivotal moving forward.