Bucks Vs Raptors

Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard has entered the NBA’s concussion protocol following a recent head injury, which will sideline him from the team’s Tuesday game against the Toronto Raptors. This development, confirmed by the Bucks on Monday, highlights a minor setback for Lillard early in his Milwaukee tenure.

NBA insider Chris Haynes elaborated on the situation, detailing that Lillard took a hit to the head late in the third quarter of Sunday’s matchup against the Boston Celtics. By Monday, Lillard was experiencing headache and dizziness, and subsequent medical evaluations confirmed a concussion diagnosis. Haynes noted that Lillard might be able to clear the protocol in time for the Bucks’ game on Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons, depending on how he progresses.

While the Bucks are certainly eager to have Lillard back in action, his temporary absence aligns with a relatively favorable schedule for Milwaukee. After the Raptors matchup, the team faces the Pistons and the Charlotte Hornets. Both teams are generally considered manageable opponents, so the Bucks may still have a chance to secure wins even without Lillard’s contributions.

Despite the Bucks’ slow start this season with a 2-8 record, Lillard has been a standout on the court, averaging 26 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds. His leadership and performance have offered Milwaukee optimism amidst a difficult season start. The concussion is Lillard’s first injury this year, although he managed multiple injuries during the latter part of the previous season.

In the 2024 postseason, Lillard was notably absent for Game 4 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers due to a right Achilles strain. He subsequently missed Games 4 and 5 but returned for Game 6, scoring a team-high 28 points despite the Bucks’ eventual series loss in a 4-2 defeat. This Achilles issue had been nagging him since Milwaukee’s regular-season finale, leading him to sit out early postseason practices to recover ahead of the Pacers series.

The Bucks were encouraged by Lillard’s overall durability last season, as he played in 73 games, marking his healthiest campaign since the 2018-19 season with the Portland Trail Blazers. His stats for the season—24.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game—were crucial for Milwaukee, as it marked his first season appearing in over 70 games in several years.

Milwaukee is hopeful that Lillard can return soon and continue his strong play while helping the team improve on last season’s underwhelming ending. However, as he works his way through concussion protocols, AJ Green is expected to step in as the Bucks’ starting point guard, shouldering Lillard’s responsibilities temporarily. The Bucks' top priority will be ensuring Lillard’s full recovery, aiming to keep him healthy for the long season ahead as they seek a more successful playoff run than last year.