Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard is off blood-thinning medication and has been cleared for full basketball activity, representing a crucial step in his recovery from deep vein thrombosis that sidelined him for the past month.

Although the Bucks have not specified when the seven-time All-Star may return to play, he will not participate in their opening playoff game. The Bucks are positioned fifth in the Eastern Conference and will face the Indiana Pacers, who are seeded fourth, on Saturday.

“This could have been career-threatening,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers remarked. “Or it was. The fact there’s a very good chance he’s going to play in the playoffs for us is a godsend.”

Lillard last took the court on March 18, and shortly thereafter, the Bucks disclosed his diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, requiring blood-thinning treatment.

Deep vein thrombosis results from a blood clot that obstructs flow in a vessel, impeding the return flow of blood to the heart.

“We’re thrilled for Dame,” said Jon Horst, Bucks general manager, in a Thursday statement. “Our priority has always been Dame’s health. We’re thankful to our medical team for diagnosing and treating his DVT at an early stage, thanks to the world-class hematology specialists at Mayo Clinic. Every stage of Dame’s recovery has been guided by top medical professionals and strict protocols ensuring a safe return to play.”

Lillard’s recovery has enabled his participation in the Bucks’ practice on Thursday.

“We didn’t go a lot live today, but he was in practice throughout,” Rivers noted. “Now we just have to assess where he’s at physically. It’ll take some time.”

Lillard, age 34, capped the regular season ranked 10th in scoring (24.9 points) and assists (7.1). He achieved his ninth All-Star selection this year.

The Bucks performed well in his absence, going 10-4 in their last 14 regular-season games and entering the playoffs on an eight-game winning streak. However, they acknowledge they are a stronger team with Lillard on the court.

“We’ve shifted from thinking it was like 99% out to now seeing very positive signs that he’ll return at some point,” Rivers commented. “I just don’t know when.”