The NHL playoff bracket offers plenty of intriguing matchups.

There’s the Battle of Florida between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers. The always-intense Battle of Ontario (Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators) returns to the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers meet for the fourth year in a row.

The Dallas Stars-Colorado Avalanche series features winger Mikko Rantanen, who was traded by the Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes earlier this season and will now face his former team after a trade to the Stars.

Here are the playoff matchups, schedule and results for the first round of the NHL’s Stanley Cup playoffs (all times p.m. ET, series are best of seven):

Eastern Conference

Key: M-Metropolitan; A-Atlantic; WC-wild card; x-if necessary

Streaming: Fubo and Sling carry ESPN games; Sling also carries TNT games

Washington Capitals (M1) vs. Montreal Canadiens (WC2)

Game 1: Monday, April 21, Canadiens at Capitals, 7, ESPN
Game 2: Wednesday, April 23, Canadiens at Capitals, 7, ESPN
Game 3: Friday, April 25, Capitals at Canadiens, 7, TNT, truTV, Max
Game 4: Sunday, April 27, 6:30, Capitals at Canadiens, TBS, truTV, Max
x-Game 5: Wednesday, April 30, Canadiens at Capitals, TBD
x-Game 6: Friday, May 2, Capitals at Canadiens, TBD
x-Game 7: Sunday, May 4, Canadiens at Capitals, TBD

Carolina Hurricanes (M2) vs. New Jersey Devils (M3)

Game 1: Sunday, April 20, Devils at Hurricanes, 3, ESPN
Game 2: Tuesday, April 22,Devils at Hurricanes, 6, ESPN
Game 3: Friday, April 25, Hurricanes at Devils, 8, TBS, Max
Game 4: Sunday, April 27, Hurricanes at Devils, 3:30, TBS, truTV, Max
x-Game 5: Tuesday, April 29, Devils at Hurricanes, TBD
x-Game 6: Friday, May 2, Hurricanes at Devils, TBD
x-Game 7: Sunday, May 4, Devils at Hurricanes, TBD

Toronto Maple Leafs (A1) vs. Ottawa Senators (WC1)

Game 1: Sunday, April 20, Senators at Maple Leafs, 7, ESPN2
Game 2: Tuesday, April 22, Senators at Maple Leafs, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2
Game 3: Thursday, April 24, Maple Leafs at Senators, 7, ESPN2
Game 4: Saturday, April 26, Maple Leafs at Senators, 7, TBS, truTV, Max
x-Game 5: Tuesday, April 29, Senators at Maple Leafs, TBD
x-Game 6:  Friday, May 1, Maple Leafs at Senators, TBD
x-Game 7: Saturday, May 3, Senators at Maple Leafs, TBD

Tampa Bay Lightning (A2) vs. Florida Panthers (A3)

Game 1: Tuesday, April 22, Panthers at Lightning, 8:30, ESPN
Game 2: Thursday, April 24, Panthers at Lightning, 6:30, TBS, truTV, Max
Game 3: Saturday, April 26, Lightning at Panthers, 1, TBS, truTV, Max
Game 4: Monday, April 28, Lightning at Panthers, TBD
x-Game 5: Wednesday, April 30, Panthers at Lightning, TBD
x-Game 6: Friday, May 2, Lightning at Panthers, TBD
x-Game 7: Sunday, May 4, Panthers at Lightning, TBD

Western Conference

Key: C-Central; P-Pacific; WC-wild card, x-if necessary

Streaming: Fubo and Sling carry ESPN games; Sling also carries TNT games

Winnipeg Jets (C1) vs. St. Louis Blues (WC2)

Jets lead series 1-0

Game 1: Jets 5, Blues 3
Game 2: Monday, April 21, Blues at Jets, 7:30, ESPN2
Game 3: Thursday, April 24, Jets at Blues, 9:30, ESPN2
Game 4: Sunday, April 27, Jets at Blues, 1, TBS, truTV, Max
x-Game 5: Wednesday, April 30, Blues at Jets, TBD
x-Game 6: Friday, May 2, Jets at Blues, TBD
x-Game 7: Sunday, May 4, Blues at Jets, TBD

Dallas Stars (C2) vs. Colorado Avalanche (C3)

Game 1: Saturday, April 19, Avalanche at Stars, 8:30, TNT, truTV, Max
Game 2: Monday, April 21, Avalanche at Stars, 9:30, ESPN
Game 3: Wednesday, April 23, Stars at Avalanche, 9:30, ESPN
Game 4: Saturday, April 26, Stars at Avalanche, 9:30, TBS, truTV, Max
x-Game 5: Monday, April 28, Avalanche at Stars, TBD
x-Game 6: Thursday, May 1, Stars at Avalanche, TBD
x-Game 7: Saturday, May 3, Avalanche at Stars, TBD

Vegas Golden Knights (P1) vs. Minnesota Wild (WC1)

Game 1: Sunday, April 20, Wild at Golden Knights, 10, ESPN
Game 2: Tuesday, April 22, Wild at Golden Knights, 11, ESPN
Game 3: Thursday, April 24, Golden Knights at Wild, 9, TBS, truTV, Max
Game 4: Saturday, April 26, Golden Knights at Wild, 4, TBS, truTV, Max
x-Game 5: Tuesday, April 29, Wild at Golden Knights, TBD
x-Game 6: Thursday, May 1, Golden Knights at Wild, TBD
x-Game 7: Saturday, May 3, Wild at Golden Knights, TBD

Los Angeles Kings (P2) vs. Edmonton Oilers (P3)

Game 1: Monday, April 21, Oilers at Kings, 10, ESPN2
Game 2: Wednesday, April 23, Oilers at Kings, 10 p.m. ET, TBS, Max
Game 3: Friday, April 25, Kings at Oilers, 10, TNT, truTV, Max
Game 4: Sunday, April 27, Kings at Oilers, 9:30,TBS, truTV, Max
x-Game 5: Tuesday, April 29, Oilers at Kings, TBD
x-Game 6: Thursday, May 1, Kings at Oilers, TBD
x-Game 7: Saturday, May 3, Oilers at Kings, TBD

Lionel Messi was scoreless and played the distance, but appeared somewhat limited in the second half as Inter Miami defeated the Columbus Crew, 1-0, in a battle of unbeaten MLS clubs on April 19 in Cleveland. 

An announced crowd of 60,614 people at Huntington Bank Field, home of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, was on hand to watch the match, setting a Crew franchise attendance record and the stadium’s record for a non-NFL event. 

Benjamin Cremaschi scored the only goal, diving in front of the net to score a header in the 30th minute to propel Inter Miami to victory and ahead of the Crew atop the MLS Eastern Conference standings. 

However, Messi walked off the pitch with a limp immediately toward the locker room area, Apple TV analyst Taylor Twellman said as the match concluded. 

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said he didn’t see any sign of Messi being injured during the match. 

“As far as I know, nothing happened. I didn’t see it happen, but then I saw him here in the locker room, and as far as I know, nothing. I’ll ask the doctors now, but they haven’t said anything to me,” Mascherano said of Messi after the victory. 

If Messi did experience any discomfort, it will have to be managed quickly. 

Inter Miami will play the first of two matches against the MLS Western Conference-leading Vancouver Whitecaps in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal on April 24. Inter Miami will also host FC Dallas on April 27, and finish their Champions Cup series at home on April 30. The Champions Cup is one of five trophies Inter Miami will compete for during the 2025 season. 

It was the first match in six days for Messi and Inter Miami — after Messi played every minute in Inter Miami’s last four matches in a span of 11 days. 

The Crew’s demand for the ball in the second half is also a reason why Messi had a quiet day. Columbus dominated possession, firing away and failing to convert on their opportunities. The Crew outshot Inter Miami 16-6, but had just three shots on goal all saved by Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari. 

Messi fired a left boot slightly wide left of the net just before halftime, and sent another long shot from midfield near the end of the match to keep the ball away from Columbus in the final minutes.  

“This is a huge result for the team,” Cremaschi said during a sideline interview after the match. “We’re happy for these three points. 

It was an opportunity that left Crew coach Wilfred Nancy smiling in disbelief, as he even gave a lighthearted hug to the sideline official following the sequence. 

The Columbus Crew won MLS Cup in 2023, and the Leagues Cup in 2024 — one year after Inter Miami won the summer tournament between MLS and LIGA MX clubs. 

Messi scored two goals to help Inter Miami beat the Crew to secure the MLS Supporters’ Shield last season in their last matchup on Oct. 2, 2024. Inter Miami is 2-0 against Columbus with Messi in the lineup. 

Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami match highlights

Lionel Messi fires a shot but misses before halftime: Inter Miami 1, Columbus 0

Messi had few opportunities in the first half, including this shot he fired just before halftime but missed.

Benjamin Cremaschi goal: Inter Miami 1, Columbus 0 

Inter Miami strikes first in this one, and it’s Benjamin Cremaschi scoring with a diving header on a cross from Marcelo Weigandt in the 30th minute. Luis Suarez also gets an assist for creating the opportunity with his lead pass.

How to watch Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami live stream? 

The match is available via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. 

Is Lionel Messi playing today in Cleveland?

Messi was announced as a starter in the Inter Miami starting lineup before the game.

Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew recent history

In Messi’s only match against Columbus, he scored two goals as Inter Miami clinched the MLS Supporters’ Shield last season in their last matchup on Oct. 2, 2024. 

Will Lionel Messi play in World Cup 2026? 

Messi, the Argentine World Cup champion and Inter Miami star, said he thinks about playing in the next World Cup but will first consider his health before reaching a final decision.

“The truth is, if you stop and think about it, it feels far away, but at the same time, time flies. … I’ll see how I feel. Of course I think about it, but I don’t want to set goals either,” Messi said during an interview with Simplemente Futbol, released on April 17.

How to watch MLS games: Xfinity, DirecTV, T-Mobile

Soccer fans with Comcast Xfinity and DirecTV can subscribe and watch MLS Season Pass through the TV providers. Xfinity customers can access MLS games within the channel guide on X1, the Xfinity Stream app, and the X1 Sports app. DirecTV customers can find MLS games on channels 480-495. T-Mobile users can also access MLS Season Pass for free.

Messi shares MLS Season Pass free trial

Lionel Messi has shared a link for a one-month free trial to MLS Season Pass: Apple.co/MessiGift.

Messi, Inter Miami upcoming schedule

April 24: Vancouver vs. Inter Miami, 10:30 p.m. ET (Champions Cup semifinal first leg)
April 27: Inter Miami vs. FC Dallas, 5 p.m. ET (MLS)
April 30: Inter Miami vs. Vancouver, 8 p.m. ET (Champions Cup semifinal first leg)
May 3: Inter Miami vs. New York Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m. ET 

The Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers reached their Western Conference first-round series to start the 2025 NBA playoffs after two huge developments, and the outcome of this series will likely dictate how those moments are remembered.

The Nuggets had the most drastic change after Denver’s ownership fired both coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth with three games left in the regular season. The Nuggets haven’t lost yet under interim coach David Adelman and Nikola Jokic proved he can win games even with limited help from his supporting cast after pulling off the rare feat of averaging a triple-double over the entire season.

The Clippers were steady throughout this season behind a resurgent James Harden and career years from Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac, but the return of Kawhi Leonard from injury took this team to another level after the NBA All-Star break. Los Angeles and its stingy defense have emerged as outside title threats from the Western Conference, but they’ll have to get past Jokic (and former Clippers teammates Russell Westbrook) to fulfill that promise.

Game 1 of the 2025 NBA playoffs first-round series between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers took overtime to get a result. Here is how it went down with score and highlights:

Nuggets vs. Clippers score

The game tipped off after the Pacers took care of the Milwaukee Bucks, 117-98. This second game of a packed NBA playoff schedule was a close one to the end.

Nuggets 112, Clippers 110 (Final/OT)
Nuggets 98, Clippers 98 (End of Regulation)
Clippers 72, Nuggets 68 (Halftime)

Nuggets escape with overtime win in Game 1

Nikola Jokic had 29 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds as the Denver Nuggets overcame a 15-point deficit to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 112-110 and take a 1-0 lead in their Western Conference first-round battle.

Game 2 in the best-of-seven series is Monday night.

Russell Westbrook hit a 3-pointer with 23.4 seconds left in regulation to give Denver a two-point lead, but James Harden, who led Los Angeles with 32 points, answered back with a floater in the lane to tie the game at 98, but the Nuggets failed to get a shot off before the buzzer.

Clippers clinging to lead heading into 4th

Los Angeles is 12 minutes from stealing home-court advantage in this first-round series against the Denver Nuggets. James Harden scored 15 of his 20 points in the first half, but has four fouls. MVP candidate Nikola Jokic leads all scorers with 25 points, and has seven rebounds and seven assists.

Clippers vs. Nuggets player stats:

Game leaders through three quarters:

Clippers: James Harden – 20 points, five rebounds, seven assists on 7-of-18 shooting
Nuggets: Nikola Jokic – 25 points, seven rebounds, seven assists on 11-of-21 shooting

Clippers up after one against Nuggets

All 10 starters for both teams have at least a field goal, as Los Angeles takes a 35-27 lead against Denver after one. The Clippers had a 9-0 run early, and were countered by a Nuggets 10-0 run.

James Harden has 15 points, and Ivica Zubac chipped in with eight for LA, who shot 60% in the opening frame. Nikola Jokic scored seven points, added three rebounds, and two assists.

What time is Nuggets vs. Clippers?

Game 1 of the NBA playoff series between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers is at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 19.

How to watch Nuggets vs. Clippers: Time, TV, streaming info for Game 1

Date: Saturday, April 19
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Ball Arena (Denver)
TV: ESPN
Stream: Fubo

Watch Nuggets vs. Clippers with Fubo

Clippers vs. Nuggets odds:

The Los Angeles Clippers are slight favorites to defeat the Denver Nuggets in the NBA playoffs, per BetMGM odds (as of Friday evening, April 18):

Series winner: Clippers (-125); Nuggets (+105)
Game 1 Spread: Nuggets (-2.5)
Game 1 Moneyline: Nuggets (-140); Clippers (+115)
Game 1 Over/Under: 223.5

Nuggets vs. Clippers predictions: NBA playoffs series picks

USA TODAY Sports: Experts lean toward the Clippers

Three out of the four members of USA TODAY Sports’ NBA coverage team like the Los Angeles Clippers in this first-round series. Reporters James Williams and Lorenzo Reyes pick the Clippers to win in five games. Reporter Jeff Zillgitt has the Clippers winning the series in six games. USA TODAY Sports NBA editor Heather Tucker predicts the Nuggets will beat the Clippers in six games.

John Schuhmann, NBA.com: Clippers in 6

‘As a rule, postseason success correlates more to how a team plays early in the regular season than it does to how a team plays late. But the Clippers have obviously been a much different team since Leonard got healthy and found his rhythm. Jokić is still the best player in this series, but LA is the team that has proven that it can play at an elite level on both ends of the floor.’

Dan Devine, Yahoo Sports: Nuggets in 7

‘Whatever Denver throws at the Clips, (coach Tyronn) Lue will be ready with a response. Except, perhaps, for the biggest question the Nuggets can ask … This version of the Clippers absolutely can win this series, but this version of Jokić isn’t outgunned against anybody. That, plus home court, tilts me slightly in Denver’s favor.’

Denver Post: Four out of five writers pick Nuggets in 6 or 7

‘This series is anti-math,’ writes Denver Post Nuggets beat writer Bennett Durando. ‘Denver attempted a league-low 31.4 shots beyond the arc per 100 possessions this season. The Clippers attempted 33.8 – second-fewest in the West. They’re not like other teams that have blowtorched the Nuggets’ unsightly defense with 3s. That’s why I like the matchup for them, even if the opponent is absurdly tough for a No. 5 seed.’

Peter Dewey, Sports Illustrated: Clippers win the series

‘The Nuggets have some major issues on the defensive end of the floor (23rd in defensive rating since the break, 21st overall) … Jokic is going to make this series tough because of how he can single-handedly win Denver games, but the Clippers have been so dominant at home … and Denver doesn’t have nearly as much depth as the Clippers.’

The 2025 NBA playoffs have moved on to the first round, with high drama already unfolding in Saturday’s games.

Following the Play-In Tournament — which saw the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat (Eastern Conference) and the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies (Western Conference) advance to the first round — Saturday saw the beginning of best-of-seven play.

Saturday’s slate included the Indiana Pacers running away with Game 1 in its series against the Milwaukee Bucks, while another game was much closer. The Denver Nuggets made home-court advantage stand up, but only after a wild 112-110 overtime win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Here is the complete NBA playoff bracket, including schedule, results, and broadcast information:

NBA Play-In Tournament schedule, results

All times Eastern.

Tuesday, April 15

Game 2: Golden State Warriors def. Memphis Grizzlies, 121-116, Golden State Warriors advance to the playoffs as the No. 7 seed in the West

Wednesday, April 16

Game 3: Miami Heat def. Chicago Bulls, 109-90, the Miami Heat advance in the Play-In Tournament

Game 4: Dallas Mavericks def. Sacramento Kings 120-106, the Dallas Mavericks advance in the Play-In Tournament

Friday, April 18

Game 5: Miami Heat def. Atlanta Hawks 123-114 (OT), the Heat advance to the playoffs as the No. 8 seed in the East.

Game 6: Memphis Grizzlies def. Dallas Mavericks 120-106, the Grizzlies advance to the playoffs as the No. 8 seed in the West.

2025 NBA Playoffs first round schedule: Results and scores

All times Eastern. *-if necessary

Eastern Conference

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Miami Heat

Game 1: Heat at Cavaliers | Sunday, April 20, 7 p.m. | TNT
Game 2: Heat at Cavaliers | Wednesday, April 23, 7:30 p.m. | NBA TV
Game 3: Cavaliers at Heat | Saturday, April 26, TBD | TNT
Game 4: Cavaliers at Heat | Monday, April 28, TBD | TBD
Game 5: Heat at Cavaliers | Wednesday, April 30, TBD | TBD *
Game 6: Cavaliers at Heat | Friday, May 2, TBD | TBD *
Game 7: Heat at Cavaliers | Sunday, May 4, TBD | TBD *

(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Orlando Magic

Game 1: Orlando Magic at Celtics | Sunday, April 20, 3:30 p.m. | ABC
Game 2: Orlando Magic at Celtics | Wednesday, April 23, 7 p.m. | TNT
Game 3: Celtics at Orlando Magic | Friday, April 25, 7 p.m. | ESPN
Game 4: Celtics at Orlando Magic | Sunday, April 27, 7 p.m. | TNT
Game 5: Orlando Magic at Celtics | TBD*
Game 6: Celtics at Orlando Magic | TBD*
Game 7: Orlando Magic at Celtics | TBD*

(3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Detroit Pistons

Game 1: Knicks 123, Pistons 112
Game 2: Pistons at Knicks | Monday, April 21, 7:30 p.m. | TNT
Game 3: Knicks at Pistons | Thursday, April 24, TBD | TNT
Game 4: Knicks at Pistons | Sunday, April 27, 1 p.m. | ABC
Game 5: Pistons at Knicks | Tuesday, April 29, TBD | TBD*
Game 6: Knicks at Pistons | Thursday, May 1, TBD | TBD*
Game 7: Pistons at Knicks | Saturday, May 3, TBD | TBD*

(4) Indiana Pacers vs. (5) Milwaukee Bucks

Game 1: Pacers 117, Bucks 98
Game 2: Bucks at Pacers | Tuesday, April 22, 7 p.m. | ESPN
Game 3: Pacers at Bucks | Friday, April 25, 8 p.m. | ESPN
Game 4: Pacers at Bucks | Sunday, April 27, 9:30 p.m. | ESPN
Game 5: Bucks at Pacers | Tuesday, April 29, TBD | TBD *
Game 6: Pacers at Bucks | Friday, May 2, TBD | TBD *
Game 7: Bucks at Pacers | Sunday, May 4, TBD | TBD *

Western Conference

(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies

Game 1: Grizzlies at Thunder | Sunday, April 20, 1 p.m. | ABC
Game 2: Grizzlies at Thunder | Tuesday, April 22, 7:30 p.m. | TNT
Game 3: Thunder at Grizzlies | Thursday, April 24, TBD | TNT
Game 4: Thunder at Grizzlies | Saturday, April 26, 1 p.m. | TNT
Game 5: Grizzlies at Thunder | Monday, April 28, TBD | TBD *
Game 6: Thunder at Grizzlies | Thursday, May 1, TBD | TBD *
Game 7: Grizzlies at Thunder | Saturday, May 3, TBD | TBD *

(2) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Golden State Warriors

Game 1: Warriors at Rockets | Sunday, April 20, 9:30 p.m. | TNT
Game 2: Warriors at Rockets | Wednesday, April 23, 9:30 p.m. | TNT
Game 3: Rockets at Warriors | Saturday, April 26, 9:30 p.m. | ABC
Game 4: Rockets at Warriors | Monday, April 28, 9:30 p.m. | TNT
Game 5: Warriors at Rockets | TBD*
Game 6: Rockets at Warriors | TBD*
Game 7: Warriors at Rockets | TBD*

(3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves

Game 1: Timberwolves at Lakers | Saturday, April 19, 8:30 p.m. | ABC
Game 2: Timberwolves at Lakers | Tuesday, April 22, 10 p.m. | TNT
Game 3: Lakers at Timberwolves | Friday, April 25, 9:30 p.m. | ESPN
Game 4: Lakers at Timberwolves | Sunday, April 27, 3:30 p.m. | ABC
Game 5: Timberwolves at Lakers | Wednesday, April 30, TBD | TBD*
Game 6: Lakers at Timberwolves | Friday, May 2, TBD | TBD*
Game 7: Timberwolves at Lakers | Sunday, May 4, TBD | TBD*

(4) Denver Nuggets vs. (5) Los Angeles Clippers

Game 1: Nuggets 112, Clippers 110 (OT)
Game 2: Clippers at Nuggets | Monday, April 21, 10 p.m. | TNT
Game 3: Nuggets at Clippers | Thursday, April 24, TBD | NBA TV
Game 4: Nuggets at Clippers | Saturday, April 26, 6 p.m. | TNT
Game 5: Clippers at Nuggets | Tuesday, April 29, TBD | TBD*
Game 6: Nuggets at Clippers | Thursday, May 1, TBD | TBD*
Game 7: Clippers at Nuggets | Saturday, May 3, TBD | TBD*

Conference semifinals

The conference semifinals are scheduled to begin on May 5, but could possibly move up to May 3-4 depending on outcomes of first round.

Conference Finals schedule

All times Eastern. *-if necessary

Eastern Conference Finals

The series could possibly be moved up as early as May 19.

Game 1, May 21: TNT, 8 p.m.
Game 2, May 23: TNT, 8 p.m.
Game 3, May 25: TNT, 8 p.m.
Game 4, May 27: TNT, 8 p.m.
Game 5, May 29: TNT, 8 p.m.*
Game 6, May 31: TNT, 8 p.m.*
Game 7, June 2: TNT, 8 p.m.*

Western Conference Finals

The series could possibly be moved up as early as May 18.

Game 1, May 20: ESPN, 8:30 p.m.
Game 2, May 22: ESPN, 8:30 p.m.
Game 3, May 24: ABC, 8:30 p.m.
Game 4, May 26: ESPN, 8:30 p.m.
Game 5, May 28: ESPN, 8:30 p.m.*
Game 6, May 30: ESPN, 8:30 p.m.*
Game 7, June 1: ESPN, 8 p.m.*

2025 NBA Finals schedule

*-if necessary

Game 1, June 5: ABC
Game 2, June 8: ABC
Game 3, June 11: ABC
Game 4, June 13: ABC
Game 5, June 16: ABC (if necessary)
Game 6, June 19: ABC (if necessary)
Game 7, June 22: ABC (if necessary)

About USA TODAY Sports’ 30 Days to the NFL Draft series, which started March 25: Every five days, we focused on a unique aspect of the 2025 draft, which is April 24-26. This is the final installment.

The 2025 NFL draft is almost here and hopefully you’ve got your big board in order. Sandwich board, that is. May your snacks be ready and mocks complete. Hydrate, stretch, charge your phones. We’re just about there.

Overall, this draft season has been low key. Not a lot of news or controversies. Lacking in big names. But the actual draft could be interesting. There are still a number of questions about who will go where early on, particularly when it comes to Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

This draft, sleepy so far, could actually be fun. Maybe even super fun.

And yes, there are still many questions. So take some notes. Draft school is in session. It starts with 20 questions.

1. What surprise move could happen in the first few picks?

The Giants trading back a few spots to select LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell. He’s the best offensive lineman in this draft and that’s where the Giants need help. Also, keep an eye on Jalen Milroe from Alabama going at the end of the first round.

2. Are the Titans a lock to draft Cam Ward?

There’s no such thing as a lock in the draft. There are lock adjacent things and Tennessee is in that lock adjacent mode. All signs point to Ward going there. It’s always possible the Titans trade out of the pick. It’s highly unlikely they stay at No. 1 and pick a player other than Ward. If that happened, there would be mass draft chaos. Which I hope happens. Draft chaos would be delicious.

3. You’re a nerd so asking who is the best Star Trek captain?

What does that have to do with the draft? But glad you asked! It’s a tie between Ben Sisko and Kathryn Janeway.

4. What are the best snacks for the draft?

For this draft: cheese curds. Honor your fellow American Cheeseheads on the draft being in Green Bay, even if you’re a Bears fan.

5. Why do I keep hearing about Tyler Shough?

He’s the Louisville quarterback and take this for what it’s worth: teams are saying privately he could be the surprise pick of the draft. Which leads to the next query.

6. What is lying season?

Around this time, many team officials plant fake stories in the media, or even lie, in order to throw off other teams. It’s a total misinformation campaign. That’s lying season. I first heard the team decades ago from George Young, the late New York Giants general manager. When I ran a rumor about the Giants past him, Young replied: ‘Do you know what season it is?’ Me: ‘Christmas season?’ Young: ‘Lying season.’

7. Should you ever yell ‘get in the hole’ during the draft?

No, this isn’t golf. And people who do that during golf tournaments are goofs, anyway. Don’t be a goof. Especially don’t be a draft goof.

8. For us draft newbies, how should we watch?

Draft coverage will be on both the NFL Network and ESPN. Personal preference? A tie. I love Rich Eisen on the NFL Network and I feel the same about Louis Riddick on ESPN. Flip back and forth between the two channels like the freak you are. I am. We are.

9. Can I call in sick to work Friday since the draft runs so late?

In this economy? Also, why are you asking me? I’m not your mom.

10. Is this the Shedeur Sanders draft?

In a way, yes. Where the Colorado quarterback is selected could reconfigure a swath of the first round. We still don’t have a firm answer about where he’s going to be picked. The range is still pretty big.

11. If you had to guess, where will he go?

The Browns at No. 2 overall.

That’s a stupid guess.

That’s not a question.

12. What about his former teammate Travis Hunter?

One of the certainties of this draft is that Hunter will go high. He’s perhaps the most talented player in it. My dream scenario is the Titans take Hunter first overall and the draft becomes so full of hot takes that it folds in on itself and collapses into a draft black hole.

13. What is your favorite song?

Anything by Chic.

14. Chic? LOL the 70s called and wants its polyester back

Watch it, buddy.

15. Why is the NFL draft such a big deal?

Despite the fact the draft has become so intensely commercialized, it remains one of the more genuine and sincere moments on the NFL calendar. You get to see young men realize their dreams. There are controversies and issues and imperfections with the process. There are things that go wrong, but we get to see the future of the league flash before our eyes. There’s no action. No games. And it’s still riveting.

16. Why is there even a draft in the first place?

Finally, a smart question from you. In an ideal world, there wouldn’t be. Players would be able to go to whichever team they wanted. But the NFL has a stranglehold on players’ rights. If there was ever a fair draft process, players would be able to earn far more money than they do as rookies. Question 16 has been brought to you by your local union.

17. What do run the 40-yard dash in?

You’d need a sundial to measure my time.

18. Why does Roger Goodell hug players?

The short answer is it’s become a tradition that started over a decade ago. It’s always funny seeing Goodell hugging players he might later fine.

19. Will the draft determine the Super Bowl participants?

Maybe not directly but watch the Philadelphia Eagles in this draft. Howie Roseman, the team’s general manager, is a magician. Maybe the best GM in all of sports. He’ll use the draft to further armor an already deep roster. I do think the Eagles will repeat as Super Bowl champions.

20. What will you be doing for the draft?

Working and eating sandwiches.

Enjoy the draft everyone.

Lionel Messi is in the starting lineup for today’s Inter Miami match against Columbus Crew in Cleveland.

The match at Huntington Bank Field, home of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, begins at 4:30 p.m. ET. At least 60,000 fans are expected in attendance. And it will be a matchup between two of the best clubs from the MLS Eastern Conference.

Messi and Inter Miami will return to action for their first match in six days — after Messi played every minute in Inter Miami’s last four matches in a span of 11 days. They have three more matches to end the month of April.

Messi fans: Consider this match as another opportunity for the Argentine World Cup champion to maintain his level and play against an MLS Eastern Conference rival instead of an opportunity to rest.

Inter Miami and Columbus Crew are the two remaining unbeaten teams in MLS this season. Columbus enters the match in first place with 18 points in the standings (from five wins and three draws), while Inter Miami is fourth with 15 points (from four wins, three draws) despite playing one fewer league match. The result will surely leave some playoff implications later this season.

Follow along here as USA TODAY Sports provides live updates from today’s match: 

How to watch Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami live stream? 

The match is available via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. 

Is Lionel Messi playing today in Cleveland?

Messi was announced as a starter in the Inter Miami starting lineup before the game.

Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew recent history

In Messi’s only match against Columbus, he scored two goals as Inter Miami clinched the MLS Supporters’ Shield last season in their last matchup on Oct. 2, 2024. 

Will Lionel Messi play in World Cup 2026? 

Messi, the Argentine World Cup champion and Inter Miami star, said he thinks about playing in the next World Cup but will first consider his health before reaching a final decision.

“The truth is, if you stop and think about it, it feels far away, but at the same time, time flies. … I’ll see how I feel. Of course I think about it, but I don’t want to set goals either,” Messi said during an interview with Simplemente Futbol, released on April 17.

How to watch MLS games: Xfinity, DirecTV, T-Mobile

Soccer fans with Comcast Xfinity and DirecTV can subscribe and watch MLS Season Pass through the TV providers. Xfinity customers can access MLS games within the channel guide on X1, the Xfinity Stream app, and the X1 Sports app. DirecTV customers can find MLS games on channels 480-495. T-Mobile users can also access MLS Season Pass for free.

Messi shares MLS Season Pass free trial

Lionel Messi has shared a link for a one-month free trial to MLS Season Pass: Apple.co/MessiGift.

Messi, Inter Miami upcoming schedule

April 24: Vancouver vs. Inter Miami, 10:30 p.m. ET (Champions Cup semifinal first leg)
April 27: Inter Miami vs. FC Dallas, 5 p.m. ET (MLS)
April 30: Inter Miami vs. Vancouver, 8 p.m. ET (Champions Cup semifinal first leg)
May 3: Inter Miami vs. New York Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m. ET 

BOULDER, Colo. – Colorado’s third spring football season under head coach Deion Sanders comes to an end on Saturday, spotlighting what may have been the most important spring of his entire tenure in Boulder so far.

Yet another national audience will tune in for it – the annual spring intrasquad game at Folsom Field, this time on ESPN2 at 4:30 p.m. ET.

It’s different this time, though. Sanders is no longer the novelty that attracted a sellout crowd in his first spring game here in 2023. He also doesn’t have the star-studded supporting cast he did in last year’s spring game, including two-way star Travis Hunter.

What Colorado does have is a plan. It’s different than the rest. And the foundation was laid for it this spring. Here are five reasons why it was so momentous.

1. Colorado’s strategic investment in Deion Sanders

College sports soon will enter an expensive and cutthroat new era if a legal settlement is approved to allow schools to start paying players directly at around $20 million per school per year.

To compete in this new world, CU went all-in on Sanders, giving him a new five-year contract on March 28 that pays him $10 million per year and more through 2029 and makes him one of only nine public-school head football coaches paid that much.

Before Sanders, CU never paid a coach more than $3.6 million in guaranteed pay. Where will it get the money to pay him and players in 2025 and 2026?

CU’s unspoken answer: You’ve got to spend money to make money. In ticket sales alone, Colorado’s football revenue increased to $31.2 million in 2023-24, up from $13 million in 2022-23, which includes the last season before Sanders’ hiring in December 2022.

Or consider the alternative: What would happen if CU didn’t invest in Sanders and soon had to navigate these choppy new waters without him and the national spotlight he brings? The program would have risked losing relevance, like it did before Sanders in 2022, when the Buffaloes went 1-11.

“He has infused new life and passion into the university on so many levels outside of football, including but not limited to increased applications, diversity in both applications and in attendance at home games and higher GPAs for student-athletes,” said Jeff Crawford, a Colorado donor and graduate. “The future is bright.”

2. More cameras, more money

Sanders has attracted national cable networks to campus twice this spring, in addition to getting legendary actor Denzel Washington to address his team via online video. The NFL Network televised his pro-day event in Boulder on April 4, an event that also attracted more than 150 media members to watch Hunter and Sanders’ quarterback son, Shedeur, work out before the NFL draft. Now the spring game on ESPN2 will be the only college spring game televised by a major national network, not including streaming services or conference networks.

This is the kind of marketing and exposure that only Sanders can bring. And that’s especially important when players are looking for more money to earn from their names, images and likenesses (NIL). National exposure makes his players’ NIL potential more valuable and helps make up for the fact that Colorado doesn’t have the same resources as teams in the Big Ten or Southeastern Conferences.

Sanders is also taking advantage of the national spotlight in the spring at a time when other college coaches have canceled their spring games for various reasons, including the notion that too much exposure leads to roster tampering or unwanted surveillance by opponents.

“We do a good job of exposing our program, so I don’t think we have to sell anything (to recruits),” said Deion Sanders, who also commended reporters Thursday for their coverage of the recent pro day.

3. The Colorado quarterback situation

The Buffs broke in two new quarterbacks to replace Shedeur, who arguably was the best quarterback in school history. One is the celebrated freshman pocket passer, Julian Lewis. The other is a dual-threat veteran with one year of college eligibility left − Kaidon Salter, a transfer from Liberty.

How will Sanders keep both of them happy in an era where players sometimes transfer to a new school in January and then leave for another school by the following May?

The spring game will provide a glimpse.

“I’d like to see them both be doing things where at the end of it, it would be a flip-a-coin who plays,” CU offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said this week. “That’s what I’m looking for. And I see them challenging each other.”

The Buffs also got two big commitments from transfer players this spring who will aim to help those quarterbacks: speedster receiver Sincere Brown (from Campbell) and Memphis offensive lineman Xavier Hill, who weighs around 320 pounds.

4. Building a pro model at Colorado

As the college game grows more professionalized, Sanders recently got the school to invest in his assistant coaches and built his organizational strategy around an NFL model. Last year, CU had one main offensive line coach – Phil Loadholt, who made $325,000 last year. This year, CU has three offensive line coaches making a combined $775,000. Two of them are former Dallas Cowboys linemen.

Sanders also recently hired Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk as the team’s running backs coach and former NFL nose tackle Domata Peko as defensive line coach. In February, Colorado nearly doubled the pay of defensive coordinator Robert Livingston, a former Cincinnati Bengals assistant who will earn $1.5 million this year after earning $800,000 last year.

This is part of how Colorado is marketing itself to recruits: Not only do you get the national exposure that comes with Sanders, but you will learn from the pros. That includes Warren Sapp, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, and Shurmur, a former NFL head coach.

Sanders told USA TODAY Sports this week that “our kids come out here to play for me and this staff. They don’t come out here for a bag (money) because they understand the real finances are garnished in the NFL, not with the NIL.”

5. The transition after Deion Sanders’ sons

Sanders coached his two youngest sons, Shedeur and Shilo, in youth football, high school and at Jackson State before they moved to Colorado. Now both are preparing for the NFL draft on April 24. The transition without them and Hunter at Colorado will test how good Sanders is as a recruiter and coach in new ways.

Earlier this week, he shut down practice and made his players do conditioning runs after noticing lackluster effort.

“That’s the worst practice I’ve been in as a part of this school,” Sanders told the team, as documented by his oldest son Deion Jr.

Now he’s on the hunt for more players in the transfer portal, which opened Wednesday and will stay open through April 25. He could use some running backs after his team finished last in the nation in rushing yards per game in 2023 and 2024.

“We’re gonna run the heck out of the ball,” Sanders said Thursday.

How to watch Colorado’s spring game

Colorado’s intrasquad spring game will be Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The telecast is scheduled to last 90 minutes. Colorado will retire the jersey numbers of Hunter and Shedeur Sanders at the start.

How many tickets have been sold to Colorado’s spring football game?

As of Thursday, Colorado reported 15,100 tickets sold, including more than 5,000 tickets since Monday. That’s a good crowd for a glorified practice in April even if it’s down from 47,277 for Sanders’ first spring game in 2023. It also looks to be a cold and damp spring game for the third straight year under Sanders.

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

After much anticipation, the 2025 NFL Draft is just days away.

The Tennessee Titans are on the clock. Is it a formality the Titans will select Cam Ward No. 1 overall? Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry praised Colorado Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. Are the Browns targeting Hunter at No. 2? Where is Hunter’s teammate, Shedeur Sanders, going to end up?

Defensive line is considered the deepest position group in the NFL draft. This year’s running backs class is strong, too.

We’re going to get answers to all our questions from the draft in Green Bay next week. USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon provides his third mock draft less than a week before all the action kicks off.

1. Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward, Miami

The Titans and Ward have been tied together for weeks. Tennessee’s reluctance to pursue a quarterback during free agency is an indication that they intend to draft a young passer. Ward is the consensus top QB in this year’s class.

2. Cleveland Browns: CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado

Browns GM Andrew Berry called Hunter a unicorn this week and compared the Heisman Trophy winner to Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. The two-way player possesses the skills to play both ways. With Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome at corner, the Browns need more aid at wide receiver.

 3. New York Giants: EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State

Carter’s talent and athleticism off the edge will help him make an immediate impact in the NFL. He would instantly form a young formidable edge rushing duo with Kayvon Thibodeaux. The Giants ranked 24th in total defense last year.

4. New England Patriots: OT Will Campbell, LSU

The Patriots ranked 31st in pass block win rate and last in run block win rate in 2024, according to ESPN. As a result, New England had the worst total offense in the AFC. The Patriots must fortify their O-line.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Mason Graham, Michigan

The Jaguars had the second-worst defense in the NFL last season. Graham is an active three-technique defensive tackle with good strength. His 34 pressures ranked in the top 10 for all interior lineman in college football in 2024.

6. Las Vegas Raiders: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

The Raiders averaged an NFL-low 79.8 rushing yards per game in 2024. It was the lowest rushing average by a team in a single season since 2022. Pete Carroll’s teams in Seattle routinely had stout rushing attacks. Jeanty and Brock Bowers are foundation pieces on offense.

7. New Orleans Saints (via NYJ): QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

New Saints coach Kellen Moore inherited Derek Carr. They aren’t in a committed long-term relationship. Plus, Carr is reportedly dealing with a shoulder issue. The Saints can start a new era at QB with Sanders with this projected trade with the Jets. He’s a prototypical dropback passer, and throws with good accuracy and anticipation. 

8. Carolina Panthers: LB Jalon Walker, Georgia

Carolina had the worst total defense in the NFL in 2024. The team’s 32 sacks were second to last in the NFC, and they ranked 31st in the league pass rush win rate, per ESPN. Walker is a hybrid player who can play edge or off-ball linebacker.

9. New York Jets (via NOR): TE Tyler Warren, Penn State

The Jets believe in Justin Fields, but they have to surround him with better weapons. Warren is a complete tight end who blocks well and is tough to tackle with the football in his hands.

10. Chicago Bears: OT Armand Membou, Missouri

The Bears landed three new interior offensive line starters this offseason. The job fortifying the O-line isn’t finished. Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times during his rookie season, the third most in NFL history.

11. San Francisco 49ers: EDGE Mike Green, Marshall

The 49ers will have at least two new starters along their defensive line entering the season. Green could be one of them. Green’s 17 sacks led college football last season. He’s athletic, explosive and has the bend and flexibility to get around the edge. 

12. Dallas Cowboys: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina

The Cowboys lost Rico Dowdle in free agency. Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders were added, but Omarion Hampton would give Dallas a much-needed long-term answer at the position.

13. Miami Dolphins: OT Grey Zabel, North Dakota State

Dolphins left tackle Terron Armstead retired after 12 seasons. Zabel can play four of the five offensive line positions. He allowed one sack and six pressures at left tackle his final year at North Dakota State.

14. Indianapolis Colts: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan

Whether the Colts start Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones, they need more production out of the tight end position. The Colts top tight end had a paltry 14 receptions last season. Loveland is a pass catching tight end who would make an immediate impact in Indy.

15. Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia

After ranking last in the NFC in sacks in 2024, the Falcons have an opportunity to boost their pass rush with the acquisition of Leonard Floyd in free agency and Williams through the draft. The 6-foot-5 edge rusher has significant upside. He tallied five sacks, nine tackles for loss and two forced fumbles last year.

16. Arizona Cardinals: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas 

Pro Football Focus gave Barron a 91.3 coverage grade for last year, the best of any cornerback with at least 300 snaps. Barron’s five interceptions were tied for first in the SEC, and he also led the team with 11 pass breakups. The Cardinals ranked in the bottom half of the league in total defense.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan

The Bengals devoted a lot of resources on offense. They must get better on defense through the draft. DJ Reader’s departure in free agency last offseason was a significant loss. Grant is the type of player who can fill the void in the interior.

18. Seattle Seahawks: G Tyler Booker, Alabama

Booker has the size, girth and length to be an elite guard. He was arguably the best guard in college football in 2024. He allowed zero sacks and only nine pressures his final year with the Crimson Tide.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Will Johnson, Michigan

Johnson is a big 6-foot-2, instinctive cornerback with good ball skills. He set a Michigan record with three interceptions returned for touchdowns in his career. Tampa Bay finished 29 in pass defense in 2024.

20. Denver Broncos: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

McMillan has a big catch radius and is a long stride runner The 6-foot-5 wide pass catcher is a possession receiver with good ball skills. McMillan and 6-foot-4 Courtland Sutton would give the Broncos a basketball team on the outside.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon

Quarterback is an option here. But with several quality defensive linemen available, the Steelers select the Oregon product with massive upside. The 6-foot-4 defensive tackle has impressive size, length and strength. 

22. Los Angeles Chargers: DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss

Nolen’s athleticism and explosiveness make him a first-round three-technique defensive tackle. The Chargers lost their best defensive tackle, Poona Ford, in free agency. Nolen, at 6-foot-4 and 296 pounds, has the size and potential to be a force in the interior. 

23. Green Bay Packers: CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky

Hairston is a fast cornerback who has good man and zone coverage skills. His 4.28 40-yard dash time was the fastest at the 2025 NFL Combine. The Packers put CB Jaire Alexander on the trade block. 

24. Minnesota Vikings: S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina

Veteran Harrison Smith decided to return for his 14th season, but the Vikings need to start grooming Smith’s heir apparent. Emmanwori is regarded as the top safety in the draft. His 88 tackles led South Carolina last season. He also produced four interceptions.

25. Houston Texans: WR Matthew Golden, Texas

Golden earned himself plenty of money when he ran a wide receiver-best 4.29 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. The Texans need a speed receiver because Tank Dell’s knee injury will likely keep him out all of 2025.

26. Los Angeles Rams: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama

The middle of the Rams’ defense has been a weakness since veteran Bobby Wagner departed for the nation’s capital. Nate Landman was added in free agency, but Campbell would give the Rams the athletic and impact linebacker the team’s been missing.

27. Baltimore Ravens: S Malaki Starks, Georgia

Starks is a versatile safety who has a nose for the football and is comfortable in coverage. He led the Bulldogs with 77 tackles in 2024. The Ravens had the second worst pass defense in the NFL last season.

28. Detroit Lions: EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College

The ACC Defensive Player of the Year finished second in the FBS with 16.5 sacks and third with 20.5 tackles for loss. The Lions’ defense was ravaged by injuries this past season and needs more depth up front.

29. Washington Commanders: EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M

The Commanders lost their sack leader Dante Fowler Jr. in free agency. Stewart’s college production raises some questions (only 4.5 sacks in three seasons), but he possesses high upside.

30. Buffalo Bills: DT Tyleik Williams, Ohio State

Williams is a hole filling run defender. He has a good first step and quick feet for his size. The Bills can get younger and more explosive in the interior.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: EDGE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee

The Chiefs witnessed the effects of a stout defensive line firsthand. Star defensive tackle Chris Jones is Kansas City’s only consistent pass rusher. Pearce led Tennessee with 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss last year.

32. New York Giants (via PHI): QB Jaxson Dart, Mississippi

A trade between two division rivals. The Giants grab their QB of the future who can sit and learn this year while Russell Wilson starts. Many scouts have the Ole Miss product as the third-ranked QB prospect in the draft.

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

“You have an idea and you can watch film, but until you’re with people every single day, you don’t know the reality of their skillset,” Bickerstaff told USA TODAY Sports after the Pistons practiced Thursday ahead of Game 1 of their first-round NBA playoff series against the New York Knicks.

“I knew that if you put together the amount of draft picks and the talent that was here, there was something to start with. It was a matter of getting to know them and then figuring out how we can do what we all do together.”

How much did he have?

“We went into the season with an open mind, willing to embrace whatever was going to happen,” Bickerstaff said. “That was the most important thing for us. We wanted to give the group confidence collectively and individually and then just see what happened and be prepared to make adjustments as need be. And that’s what we did.”

As the season unfolded, Bickerstaff started to recognize encouraging patterns, such as closing out games in the fourth quarter. Cade Cunningham’s leap toward stardom began to take shape. The mix of youth and veterans worked in the locker room.

Then, the Pistons defeated Indiana on the road in an in-season tournament game and a week later, they beat New York at Madison Square Garden. The Pistons were still just 10-15 and dropped to 10-16 in their next game.

But the wins started coming – 11 victories in their next 14 games, eight consecutive wins in February. After winning just 14 games last season, Detroit finished 44-38, a remarkable 30-game turnaround that made the Pistons the only team in league history to triple their wins total from one season to the next.

Last season, Detroit ranked 27th offensively and 25th defensively. This season: 14th and 10th.

How the Pistons built a foundation for turnaround

NBA rebuilds require patience. And the right coach at the right time. And the right general manager. The Pistons hired Trajan Langdon in May as president of basketball operations, replacing the fired Troy Weaver who deserves credit for drafting Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson, acquiring Jalen Duren in a draft day move and trading for Isaiah Stewart.

But Langdon hired Bickerstaff and brought in a veteran presence with Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., Tobias Harris, and Dennis Schroder.

Bickerstaff is a Coach of the Year candidate, Langdon is an Executive of the Year candidate and Beasley is a Sixth Man of the Year candidate who finished second in 3-pointers made this season.

Cunningham’s emergence as an All-NBA player is one of the great individual stories this season. In his fourth season, the 23-year-old Cunningham produced his best season with career-highs in points (26.1 per game), assists (9.1 per game), field goal percentage (.469), 3-point percentage (.356) and games played (70).

“He’s just an unbelievable person, leader, teammate, all those things,” Bickerstaff said. “Obviously, he’s taken steps in closing games, understanding when to take over games, the ability to decipher when it’s time to get his teammates involved and when it’s time for him to score. He’s understanding now how to manipulate the game to his advantage based on what the defense is trying to do.”

This is Detroit’s first playoff appearance since 2019 and just the third playoff appearance in the past 16 seasons. They face a Knicks team with high expectations, but the Pistons went 3-1 against them this season, including two victories at Madison Square Garden. The 6-6 Cunningham had a 29-point, 15-assist, 10-rebound triple-double in the first victory Dec. 7 and a 36-point effort in the second victory Jan. 13.

‘He did a lot of things right,’ Cunningham told reporters this week of Bickerstaff. ‘One, being honest in how he saw us playing and just building relationships with each individual on the team. That made everyone want to play hard for him, and that’s something we’ve all bonded over.”

Pistons’ future is bright with ‘guys who are going to get better’

Bickerstaff was ready to head home from the practice facility Thursday and unwind for a bit. But then, it was going to be back to watching video.

“We’re in a great place,” he said. “We’re in study mode right now. So for coaches in particular, that’s the fun part where you get to really, really teach and show and guide and watch film, get on the floor. All those things are fun for us.

‘But our guys’ minds, they’re engaged, they’re bought into what we’re trying to do. They understand it, they’re learning it, repping it, but they’re ready for the fight. And the best part about this group is win or lose, our guys are going to show up and they’re going to fight and they’re going to test their opponent and the opponent’s going to have to be the better team.”

And no matter what happens in this series or the next one, the Pistons are another team on the rise.

“You maximize the opportunity and the potential that’s in front of you,” Bickerstaff said. “But you live in the reality of that you have guys who are going to get better. And for us, that’s a good thing. This is our first year together and we’re at level X, and Y and Z are going to be even more amazing when our young players continue to improve.”

The New York Rangers fired coach Peter Laviolette on Saturday after the team finished out of the playoffs one year after they won the Presidents’ Trophy as the top regular-season team.

‘After finishing with the best regular season record in the NHL a year ago and making a trip to the Eastern Conference Final, we came into this season with high expectations for ourselves,’ general manager Chris Drury said. ‘Quite simply, we failed to meet those expectations. We must all do better – myself included.

‘As we head into next season and beyond, I felt that a change was necessary in order to give us the best chance to achieve our goals as an organization. Our search for a new head coach will begin immediately.”

Associate head coach Phil Housley also was fired.

The Rangers finished with 16 fewer wins this season and missed the playoffs by six points, even though they began the season at 12-4-1 after a relatively quiet offseason following a trip to the Eastern Conference final. The culprit was a 4-15 slide that dropped them to .500 and led Drury to let other teams know he was willing to talk trade.

Trades followed. Captain Jacob Trouba was dealt to the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 6 and forward Kaapo Kakko was traded to the Seattle Kraken 12 days later. A late January trade for J.T. Miller gave the team a bump but in the end, it wasn’t enough. Ryan Lindgren and Reilly Smith were moved before the deadline and though the Rangers briefly moved into the second wild-card spot, they became the fourth NHL team to go from Presidents’ Trophy winner to out of the playoffs (also the 1992 and 1993 Rangers).

The Rangers ranked 19th in goals against and 27th in shots against per game. Igor Shesterkin, who signed an extension that will make him the NHL’s highest-paid goalie, faced the most shots in the league and had a career-worst 2.86 goals-against average.

Their power play dropped from third last year to 28th this season. Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox, Vincent Trocheck and Mika Zibanejad all had noticeable drops in points.

Drury will be hiring his third coach since was named general manager in 2021. Gerard Gallant, like Laviolette, lasted only two seasons. Laviolette, the winningest U.S.-born NHL coach, was let go with one year left on his contract.

His firing was announced soon after the Ducks fired coach Greg Cronin. There were five coaching changes during the regular season: Boston Bruins, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers.

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