It’s a girl!!!!

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, announced the birth of their daughter on Saturday.

Ohtani missed the opening two games of their road series against the Texas Rangers after being placed on MLB’s paternity list in preparation for the birth.

“Welcome to the Ohtani Family!,” Ohtani said on social media. “I am so grateful to my loving wife who gave birth to our healthy beautiful daughter. To my daughter, thank you for making us very nervous yet super anxious parents. I would also like to thank the Dodgers organization, my teammates, and the fans for their constant support and kind words of encouragement.

“I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all the medical professionals and everyone who dedicated their support to us, up until this wonderful day.”

Ohtani announced that he and Tanaka were expecting their first child in December.

The Dodgers are in Texas taking on the Rangers this weekend before an off day on Monday. The team will then travel to Chicago to play the Cubs in a three-game series, starting on Tuesday.

Ohtani, the reigning National League Most Valuable Player, is batting .288 with six home runs and eight RBI for the Dodgers this season.

The NHL playoffs got underway Saturday with two games in a TNT doubleheader.

The No. 1 overall seeded Winnipeg Jets hosted the St. Louis Blues in the early game, followed by the Colorado Avalanche visiting the Dallas Stars in the second game.

The Jets won the opener 5-3 when Kyle Connor broke a tie with 1:36 left. He was set up by Mark Scheifele and each had a goal and two assists.

The question going into the game was how Vezina Trophy favorite Connor Hellebuyck would fare after getting rocked in the past two postseasons. The Blues took a 3-2 lead in the second period on a Jordan Kyrou goal, but that was all against Hellebuyck, who stopped Kyrou on a breakaway afterward.

Alex Iafallo tied the game in their third period and the Blues were limited to two shots in the period.

In Saturday’s late game, the Avalanche cruised to a 5-1 win over the Stars. This represents an eighth consecutive loss for Dallas, which was missing injured leading goal scorer Jason Robertson and No. 1 defenseman Miro Heiskanen, who has been out since February but skated with the team during the morning.

Nathan MacKinnon scored two goals and had an assist to lead Colorado, which also got goals from Charlie Coyle, Atturi Lehkonen and Devon Toews.

Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog, who last played in 2022 because of a serious knee injury, took part in the team’s morning skate but didn’t dress for Game 1.

What time is Jets vs. Blues?

Game 1 of the NHL playoff series between the Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues is at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 19.

How to watch Jets vs. Blues: Time, TV, streaming info for Game 1

Date: Saturday, April 19
Time: 6 p.m. ET
Location: Canada Life Centre (Winnipeg)
TV: TNT, truTV
Stream: Max, Sling

Jets vs. Blues USA TODAY predictions

Jason Anderson: Jets in six
Mike Brehm: Jets in five
Jace Evans: Blues in six

What time is Stars vs. Avalanche?

Game 1 of the NHL playoff series between the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche is at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 19.

How to watch Avalanche vs. Stars: Time, TV, streaming info for Game 1

Date: Saturday, April 19
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Location: American Airlines Center (Dallas)
TV: TNT, truTV
Stream: Max, Sling

Stars vs. Avalanche USA TODAY predictions

Jason Anderson: Avalanche in six
Mike Brehm: Avalanche in five
Jace Evans: Avalanche in seven

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.

The present state of a wild landscape – with liberalized player movement fueled by name, image and likeness (NIL) cash – is daunting enough.

“There’s a lot going on in college football, and the NCAA has just washed their hands and they walk away,” Sanders said during a wide-ranging interview with USA TODAY Sports. “As long as they collect those checks, they walk away instead of saying, ‘OK, we’ve got to do something about this.’ Because if you don’t, it’s going to keep spiraling.”

Sure, there’s the $2.8 billion settlement of a class-action lawsuit by athletes against the NCAA and five major conferences being considered for final approval by U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken, which would allow schools to pay at least $20.5 million directly to athletes in Year 1. Yet count Sanders, heading into his third season as Colorado coach, in the camp of skeptics who contend that the settlement won’t level the playing field because NIL payments through third-party agents would still provide a huge advantage for schools with the deepest donor pockets.

Suggestions?

“There should be some kind of cap,” Sanders said, referring to NIL payments. “Our game should emulate the NFL game in every aspect. Rules. Regulations. Whatever the NFL rules, the college rules should be the same. There should be a cap and every team gets this, and you should be able to spend that.”

Such a salary cap, Sanders envisions, would adjust with different conferences and levels of competition, based on revenues.

If you’ve followed Sanders over his remarkable career, his idea for a solution is hardly surprising. Going way back, the man has been an out-of-the-box thinker. Now, as he navigates the college coaching ranks – and with quick success, taking over a program that was 1-11 in 2022 and turning it into a 9-4 campaign last season that included a bowl-game berth – he is willing to use his stature and platform to promote change.

Another idea: Compensate HBCU schools for losing players.

“If we take a kid from an HBCU, we should have to compensate that school, man,” said Sanders, with the perspective of coaching at an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), as he revitalized the program at Jackson State before moving to Colorado. “You’ve taken a kid and not given them nothing for it. That’s not fair, because they can’t compete with you in terms of the solicitation of the kid.

“It’s almost like how the Negro Leagues were dissolved. They started taking (Black players in the Major Leagues), and no one compensated the Negro Leagues. If you take them but compensate the schools, now we’ve still got breath. Now I can use that to get something else.”

Given the passion expressed with his range of ideas, maybe Coach Prime, as he’s called, is destined to someday become a commissioner.

“I’m too honest to be commissioner,” he deflected. “I’ll have said something I’m not supposed to say.”

Sanders, whose squad will stage its annual Black-and-Gold game on Saturday (4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2), wanted to join forces with Syracuse coach Fran Brown to bring their teams together for a spring game, similar to an NFL preseason contest. Maybe next year. The NCAA considered, then shot down the novel idea, deeming it as a “competitive advantage.”

Sanders doesn’t buy that reasoning when considering the flow with NIL payouts. Never mind that at least 12 major programs won’t have the once-popular spring games.

“The competitive advantage is the school that has hundreds of millions of dollars, and not us,” he said. “You look at who’s always in the playoffs, you can look at their budget and look at this budget. That’s the advantage, not who has the autonomy to do a spring game.”

Defending national champion Ohio State reportedly spent $42 million last season on player and coaches’ salaries. And Sanders grumbles that the $20 million that some schools spend on their freshmen classes exceeds the entire amount at other schools.

This, while the biggest storyline in college football in recent days has revolved around emerging quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s split from Tennessee after reportedly seeking to significantly increase the $2.4 million payout he was due.

Sanders, who recently signed a five-year, $54 million extension that makes him one of college football’s highest-paid coaches, chuckled when asked what he might have commanded in NIL deals during his career at Florida State in the late 1980s. He buffeted his All-America talent with his “Neon Deion” persona to increase his marketability.

No, even with the turmoil and consequences attached to the college football landscape, Sanders hardly wants the system to revert back to yesteryear.

And Sanders – who during the heyday of his Hall of Fame NFL career made a music video called “Must Be the Money” – surely supports the shift to paying college players.

“You like it, but you don’t love it,” he said. “You like it because you want these guys to be compensated. You want these guys to have a tremendous head start on life. You want these guys to understand finances, financial literacy. You want them to understand that this is game-changing money, just in case you don’t fulfill that dream of being a professional football player. You have something of a head start in life.

“But there’s so much that goes with that because you’ve got to prepare. Some of them squander it. Instantly. And it’s not healthy for some because now it’s not just the kid, but parents are involved as well. Don’t get me wrong; there are a lot of great parents out there. But it’s a different game out there right now, with some of the parents being agents, doing representation.”

A different game, Sanders will tell you, that begs for some different rules of engagement.

Follow Jarrett Bell on social media: @JarrettBell

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.