Bucks’ Damian Lillard says he’s playing in Game 2 vs. Pacers

Milwaukee Bucks All-Star guard Damian Lillard told reporters at the morning shootaround that he will return to the court Tuesday night against the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis.

Lillard, who had been listed as questionable for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first-round series, hasn’t played since March 18 due to a blood clot in his leg.

The fifth-seeded Bucks dropped a 117-98 decision to the fourth-seeded Pacers in Game 1 on Saturday.

Lillard, 34, was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf last month and was taking blood-thinning medication, forcing him to sit out of action. With his condition improved, the Bucks said last Thursday that he had been cleared to resume basketball activity.

The nine-time All-Star averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 58 games during the regular season. Over 900 career games with the Portland Trail Blazers (2012-23) and Bucks, he owns averages of 25.1 points, 6.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds.