The Milwaukee Bucks suffered a significant setback in their playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, as star player Damian Lillard incurred a non-contact injury early in the game that has been confirmed as a torn left Achilles tendon. This devastating diagnosis means Lillard will miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season, adding to his recent struggles with health issues, including a previous injury from blood clots. The Bucks, already trailing 3-1 in the series, now face exacerbated challenges in their playoff comeback efforts. Additionally, uncertainties loom over the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo amid circulating trade speculations, further complicating the Bucks' situation. The team and fans are hopeful for Lillard's full recovery after a tumultuous campaign for the veteran guard.

Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks suffered a non-contact injury during a playoff game against the Indiana Pacers, which has been diagnosed as a torn left Achilles tendon, causing him to miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season.

The injury is a major blow to Lillard, who had recently returned to the playoffs after being sidelined by blood clots, and now faces a challenging road to recovery.

The Bucks are down 3-1 in their first-round playoff series, and Lillard's absence makes their chances of a comeback significantly more difficult.

Beyond Lillard's injury, the Bucks are dealing with trade rumors surrounding star player Giannis Antetokounmpo, adding to the team's current instability.

Fans and the organization are concerned about the long-term impact of Lillard's injury on his career and are hopeful for his full recovery after a difficult year.

The injury marks another setback in what has been a tough season for the Bucks, who are now facing both on-court challenges and off-court uncertainties.

Matthew Wadleigh, a freelance writer, has reported on the situation, highlighting the difficult circumstances facing the Bucks and their star players.

The Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Indiana Pacers on Sunday to go down 3-1 in the first-round Eastern Conference playoff series. But, the worst part was the non-contact injury that Damian Lillard suffered early in the game. 

After the injury, reports surfaced that there was a "fear" of a torn Achilles for the Bucks star. 

On Monday, the official diagnosis came in from ESPN's Shams Charania. 

"Just in: Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard has been diagnosed with a torn left Achilles tendon, sources tell ESPN. MRI today revealed the severity. A devastating end to his season."

So, the expected injury is now official. That means Lillard is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 NBA campaign, and the veteran has a tough road to recovery in what is a devastating injury blow. 

Lillard also missed time recently with blood clots but was cleared for Game 2 of the playoffs, so this is another unfortunate turn of events for the Bucks point guard. 

The Bucks slim chances of coming back from a 3-1 deficit just got even more tricky. Moreover, questions are swirling about the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been tossed around in trade rumblings as of late. 

All in all, everyone is hoping for a full recovery from Lillard in what has been a rough 2024-25 campaign for the former first-round draft pick. 

MORE NBA NEWS:

• Donovan Mitchell rescues Cavs with huge fourth quarter
• This Pistons-Pope Francis stat is unbelievable
• Why Heat traded Jimmy Butler to the Warriors