The Milwaukee Bucks are set to lock horns with the Chicago Bulls in tonight’s NBA action. This is a highly anticipated game with two heavyweights clashing but there’s more to it than the on-court battle. Bucks superstar Damian Lillard is set to return after a 4-game absence since their triumph in the NBA Cup.

Lillard who’s been out with a calf strain and also due to illness addressed his absence from the court in an interview with The Athletic’s Eric Nehm saying, “I’ve never been that sick before in my entire life,” as the Bucks star further added, “I wasn’t throwing up, nothing. I just didn’t eat for two days, I didn’t eat at all, I didn’t get up, nothing. I was down. It was bad.” Talking about his illness which seems to have taken a toll on his body.

Lillard initially hoped to make a return on Thursday against the Brooklyn Nets but due to his illness, he couldn’t part take in that game he described in the interview, “I got through the workout, but I couldn’t breathe good,” as he addressed that not being able to breathe properly and coughing stopped him from making a return earlier. The veteran admitted he’s a “little nervous” on his return but considering he’s been getting better this is the right choice.

Lillard has not played in NBA since December 14th when he last suited up against the Hawks. Additionally, the veteran has played 22 games this season averaging 25.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds. He and Giannis Antetokounmpo are the two pillars of the Bucks’ recent resurgence and similar to Dame, the Greek Freak is also out with an illness and remains questionable for the game as of now.

Damian Lillard sends a strong message to all the Milwaukee Bucks’ early-season critics

Damian Lillard was instrumental in Milwaukee’s NBA Cup-winning run and since then hasn’t seen the court. The 34-year-old logged in 23 points, four rebounds, and dished out four assists in the final matchup against OKC Thunder. Sending out a message to all the Bucks’ doubters amid their rough start to the 2024-25 campaign.

Lillard alongside Antetokounmpo seemed to have found their strides as the two looked like a lethal duo. “We’ve shown the team we started the season as is not the team that we are now,” said Dame. He further added, “And it was never who we truly were. Just got off to a tough start.” stating he never doubted their caliber it was just a shaky start and now they are in their groove.

After ten games into the season, the Bucks were 2-8 and since then they have picked up their slack and currently have a 16-13 record. This includes six wins in their last ten games and are just behind the Magic who are fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. However, with the next few matchups against sides such as the Bulls, and Pacers who are coming off defeats Damian and the Bucks could use this as an opportunity to climb even further in the rankings.