MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard is off blood-thinning medication and has been cleared for full basketball activity. A major step forward in his return from the deep vein thrombosis that has kept him out for the last month. The Bucks still aren’t indicating exactly when Lillard might play again. Lillard last played in a game March 18. The Bucks are seeded fifth in the Eastern Conference and open the playoffs Saturday at Indiana against the fourth-seeded Pacers. pregame at 11:30 a.m. tip off at noon on 1240 am and 96.5fm
The Los Angeles Lakers host the Minnesota Timberwolves to open the Western Conference first round Saturday. Los Angeles is 36-16 against the Western Conference, and Minnesota is 33-19 against conference opponents. Luka Doncic is scoring 28.2 points per game and averaging 8.2 rebounds for the Lakers. Austin Reaves is averaging 21.2 points and 4.3 rebounds over the last 10 games. Julius Randle is averaging 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds for the Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards is averaging 28.2 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 48.5% over the last 10 games The teams split the regular season series 2 games a piece.
The Milwaukee Brewers begin a three-game series at home against the Athletics on Friday. Milwaukee is 7-3 at home and 10-9 overall. The Athletics are 9-10 overall and 7-3 in road games. LAST 10 GAMES: Brewers: 6-4 Athletics: 5-5 Pregame at 6:35 p.m. first pitch at 7:10 p.m. on 1240AM 96.5 FM
The Atlanta Braves host the Minnesota Twins on Friday to begin a three-game series.Atlanta has a 5-13 record overall and a 3-2 record at home. The Braves are fifth in the NL with 22 total home runs, averaging 1.2 per game.Minnesota is 3-7 in road games and 7-12 overall. The Twins have a 3-0 record in games when they hit two or more home runs. The matchup Friday is the first meeting this season between the two clubs.