Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff prohibiting players from wearing hoodies up at practice

Game Threads Index (April 19, 2025): On April 19, 2025, the NBA schedule features several games, starting with the Milwaukee Bucks facing the Indiana Pacers at 01:00 pm ET, currently trailing 63 to 86 in the third quarter. Following this, the Los Angeles Clippers will take on the Denver Nuggets at 03:30 pm ET, with both teams in pre-game status. The evening games include the Detroit Pistons versus New York Knicks at 06:00 pm ET...

The 2025 NBA Playoffs feature the Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics, and Cleveland Cavaliers as the leading teams, with a likely Celtics-Cavaliers matchup in the Eastern Conference Finals. Each playoff series highlights unique storylines and statistical metrics such as Net Rating, Offensive Efficiency, and Defensive Efficiency, which could influence outcomes. Key matchups include the Cavaliers facing the Heat, Celtics against the Magic, and the Thunder battling the Grizzlies, among others, revealing potential strengths and vulnerabilities...

The Milwaukee Bucks are set to receive a boost as star guard Damian Lillard is expected to return for Game 2 or Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Lillard has been sidelined since March 18 due to deep vein thrombosis and has been on blood thinners; however, he has recently been cleared for contact practices. The Bucks will play Game 1 on Sunday and Game 2 on Tuesday in Indiana...

The Milwaukee Bucks are set to welcome back star player Damian Lillard during their playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, with expectations for his return in either Game 2 or Game 3, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. Lillard has been sidelined since March 18 due to deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, but he averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists in 58 regular-season games. This news is significant for the Bucks as they...

The top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder (68-14) will face the eighth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies (48-34) in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs, marking their first playoff meeting since 2013-14. The Thunder, led by MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, dominated the season with a historic net rating and a strong defensive performance, while the Grizzlies experienced turmoil, including a coaching change and inconsistent play from star Ja Morant. Oklahoma City swept their regular-season series against Memphis, highlighting...