ABC Pulls Big Number For NBA Finals Game 5

Posted on June 17, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: ESPN

Game 5 of the NBA Finals left some strong numbers for ABC Sunday night. The matchup of the San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat generated a strong 11.4 overnight rating according to Nielsen. It is expected to mark the thirty-fifth consecutive time that an NBA Finals telecast has won the night across the board and the twenty-third consecutive time that it has delivered double digit overnight ratings.

The peak period for the game was between 10:30pm and 10:45pm EST. This fifteen minute period saw the game peak at a 13.9. Local market numbers are just as good for the NBA Finals. Game 5 pulled in a 37.6 metered market rating in San Antonio and a 28.8 in Miami.

The series’ crucial Game 6 airs Tuesday night June 18^th, live at 9pm EST from Miami. It will be broadcast live on ABC. It will also be simulcast on ESPN Radio affiliates across the country and on ESPN Deportes for Spanish speaking audiences. For those wanting to catch the game online, it will be available on ESPN3 and WatchESPN. The game will be preceded by the Kia NBA Countdown at 8:30pm on ABC and ESPN3.

To keep up with all of the latest NBA news from ESPN, audiences can “Like” ESPN on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ESPN. Fans can also get all the latest NBA news on the official ESPN website, http://www.espn.com.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

ESPN.com Offers NBA Fans, Viewers Extensive Finals Coverage

Posted on June 5, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: ESPN

Thursday, June 6^th 2013 is one of the year’s biggest days of the year for NBA fans across the country. That’s because tomorrow is the first game of the 2013 NBA Championship series. In celebration, ESPN and the ESPN family of networks will have complete coverage of this year’s NBA Finals. This includes coverage online via ESPN3, WatchESPN.com, and ESPNRadio.com Broadcasts on ESPNRadio.com are being made available courtesy of autotrader.com. Game One will be broadcast live Thursday evening, June 6^th at 9pm EDT on ABC. It will be simulcast on ESPN Radio and ESPN Deportes.

Coverage of each game will be handled by a variety of NBA analysts, reporters and contributors. ESPN.com will have on-site coverage of the game. This includes scouting reports, a look at each game by the numbers, expert predictions, feature stories, video analysis, and some very special interactive experiences for fans and viewers. Among the reporters handling coverage will be, Marc Stein, J.A. Adande, Mike Wallace, Brian Windhorst, and Tom Haberstroh. Henry Abbott will have coverage of the finals on site for TrueHoop, TrueHoop TV, and HoopIdea. Daily Dime and Daily Dime Live interactive chats on ESPN.com will be offered for up-to-the minute conversation and reaction to each game each night.

Feature stories written by Kevin Arnovitz, Kevin Van Valkenburg, Liz Merrill, Israel Gutierrez, Ramona Shelburne, and Marc Stein will be posted on all things centered on the NBA Finals. Topics covered include: Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, the San Antonio Spurs organization as a whole, and even one of the game’s biggest names, Lebron James.

Forecasts of each game will be offered by a panel of some two hundred NBA experts with extensive NBA experience, knowledge and perspectives. Richard Swarbrick will present a new animation featuring the greatest moments of the NBA Finals.

ESPN Insiders will offer premium content a thorough NBA Finals preview. It will also include daily Per Diem columns, from Kevin Pelton and Tom Haberstroh, and a ranking of the fifty greatest single playoff performances of all times. If that’s not enough, then try out David Thorpe’s post-season MVP rankings, too.

True hardcore NBA fans will appreciate the chance to take part personally in the Finals. That is thanks to “Finals 50/50 presented by Sony Electronics.” This is an NBA fantasy pick ‘em game. It allows fans to answer ten questions related to each NBA Finals game. Contestants have until tip-off of each game to enter answers for the questions. Five additional questions related to each game will be presented at half-time of each game. The questions will be presented in relation to the status of each game at that point. Those questions will be worth five additional points each. The big prize is well worth the entries. That’s because of the total contestants, that contestant that accumulates the most points by the end of the finals will win a Sony Home Entertainment System grand prize. Those that accumulate the most points per game will earn a four hundred dollar gift card. The game will be available online at ESPN.com and on mobile web for fans to play at home or on the road.

NBA fans can keep up with all of the latest news and more throughout the finals on the official ESPN Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/ESPN and on the official ESPN website, http://www.espn.com.

Junior Welterweight Bout Headlines May 10th Edition Of FNF

Posted on May 9, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN’s Friday Night Fights returns with another full card Friday, May 10^th. This week’s card is headlined by a matchup of two Junior Welterweights. Vernon “The Iceman” Paris (27 – 1, 16 KOs) faces off against Manny “Manos” Perez (19 – 8 – 1, 4 KOs) in a ten-round main event. Friday’s main event will be broadcast live from the Masonic Temple in Detroit at 10pm ET. The fight will air live on ESPN2 HD and online and mobile internet via WatchESPN and the WatchESPN app. ESPN Deportes will pick up the fight in progress following the conclusion of the NBA Playoff matchup between the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat.

Paris comes into Friday’s fight with quite a bit of momentum, having beaten Guy Pucker with a third-round KO in his most recent fight. Before that bout, Paris also had fought three-time Welterweight and Welterweight titlist Zab Judah. Paris was upbeat in an interview when asked about what to expect from Friday’s bout. He noted that he was definitely prepared for the fight. “I’ve started working with my new coach, Herman Caicedo, and have been preparing for this fight ever since my last fight,” he said. “My new coach is good. He’s teaching me to keep my hands up. The plan – what I’m going to do in the ring – that’s all coming together. I’m feeling real good about it.”

Perez has his own momentum coming into this week’s main event. He won three of his previous four matches including a ten-round split decision over Jose Cotto (Miguel Cotto’s brother) and a ten-round unanimous decision over Edgar Santana. He won his most recent fight, a seven round unanimous decision win over Bernardo Guereca.

Perez sounded focused but realistic when asked about taking on Paris. “I know Paris is very, very tough, and I anticipate a tough fight,” Perez said. “Those are the fights I like. I’ve said it before – you don’t become the best without fighting the best. You have to fight and beat the best. I’m working on my jab a lot now, and just want to show more variety in my shots this fight. I want to show better angles, and a better variety of right hands. I want to apply the right kind of pressure and just break him down. I’m looking forward to putting on a great performance.”

Friday’s fight between Paris and Perez will be preceded by a co-feature pitting a pair of Featherweights against each other. Cornelius “Lightning” Lock (20 – 6 – 1, 13 KOs) and “El Negro Mexicano Lightning” Lonnie Smith (14 – 4 – 3, 10 KOs) will face off in a ten-round fight. Lock won his most recent fight with a second-round TKO win over Damon Antoine. Smith’s last fight ended in a seventh-round technical draw against Michael Perez.

FNF hosts Teddy Atlas and Joe Tessitore will both be on hand to call all of the evening’s action for ESPN2 HD. They will be joined by studio host Todd Grisham with all of the latest boxing news and Highlights. Pablo Viruega and Delvin Rodriguez will call the matches for ESPN Deportes. Claudia Trejos and Leopoldo Gonzales will join them from the ESPN Deportes studios. Bernardo Osuna will have live interviews and reports for ESPN2 HD and ESPN Deportes.

Friday Night’s new edition of FNF is presented by Corona Extra and is promoted by Millennium Promotions.

Fans can keep up with all the latest boxing news when they “Like” the FNF Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/espn.fnf. Once fans “Like” the FNF Facebook page, they can use the LIVE Friday Night Fights Voting app on the ESPN FNF Facebook page to score each match themselves from the comfort of their homes. And for even more on Friday Night Fights, fans can keep up with the show on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/FNF.

ABC, ESPN Networks Carrying Seven Playoff Games This Weekend

Posted on April 25, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: ESPN

NBA fans have plenty of reason to be happy this weekend. ABC and ESPN have seven games on tap this weekend. Three of those games will air on ESPN Friday night beginning with a matchup between the Knicks and Celtics. The Knicks will look to extend their two-game lead over Boston as the teams face off in game three of that series Friday night at 8pm. It will air on ESPN and ESPN Radio affiliates across the country. Fans can also catch the game online and via mobile access through WatchESPN and the WatchESPN app. Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, and Heather Cox will have the call on ESPN. Marc Kestecher and Dr. Jack Ramsey will call the game for ESPN Radio. The game is scheduled to start at 8pm EST.

The second of the night’s triple header sees the Spurs and Lakers face off in the third game of their series, too. The Spurs are up two games to none in that best-of-seven series. Injuries have plagued the Lakers, who are looking to get their footing again Friday night. The game is scheduled to start at 10:30pm EST. It will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Fans can also watch the game online and on mobile devices through WatchESPN and the WatchESPN app. Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, and Chris Broussard will have the call on ESPN. They will be joined by Alvaro Martin and Carlos Morales for ESPN Deportes.

Also at 10:30, the Warriors will look to break the one-game time with the Nuggets when the teams head back to Oakland. The Warriors come into Friday’s game with some momentum. The team as a whole shot nearly sixty-five percent and made 14 of 25 three-point shots. Four of the team’s players scored twenty points in game two Tuesday night. The Warriors have also outrebounded the Nuggets 91 to 71 over the course of the series’ first two games. The Nuggets are looking to regain some footing Friday night when they are hoping to get Kenneth Faried back in the lineup after having lost him in Game 1 to a sprained ankle. Friday’s matchup will air on ESPN2 and can be viewed online and on mobile devices through WatchESPN and the WatchESPN app. Dave Pasch, Jon Barry, and Holly Rowe will have all the action and news throughout the game.

The weekend showcase closes out with a Sunday doubleheader pitting the Knicks and Celtics against each other again for Game Four in the teams’ best-of-seven series first. The game will air at 1pm on ABC and on ESPN Radio affiliates across the nation. Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy and Heather Cox will be back to call the action again for the game, while Marc Kestecher and Dr. Jack Ramsay will have the call for ESPN Radio.

The day’s second game tips off at 3:30pm EST. The Bucks are hoping to dig out of a two game hole right now with game three tonight at 7pm. Game four will be Sunday afternoon on ABC and ESPN Deportes. Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, and Chris Broussard will be on hand for ESPN. Alvaro Martin and Carlos Morales will call all the action for ESPN Deportes. It all starts with the Kia NBA Countdown at 12:30pm EST. Hosts Magic Johnson, Bill Simmons, Jalen Rose, and Michael Wilbon will discuss the weekend’s previous games and their implications as the NBA post season rolls on, as well as Sunday’s games on tap. Fans can catch the Countdown on ABC.

A full schedule of the weekend’s games is available below.

Date	Time (ET)	Game / Commentators	Networks
Fri, Apr 26	8 p.m.	New York Knicks at Boston Celtics (Gm. 3) ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Heather Cox ESPN Radio: Marc Kestecher, Dr. Jack Ramsay	ESPN, ESPN Radio, WatchESPN
	10:30 p.m.	San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers (Gm. 3) ESPN: Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Chris Broussard ESPN Deportes: Alvaro Martin, Carlos Morales	ESPN, WatchESPN, ESPN Deportes
	10:30 p.m.	Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors (Gm. 3) ESPN: Dave Pasch, Jon Barry, Holly Rowe	ESPN2, WatchESPN
Sat, Apr 27	7 p.m.	Indiana Pacers at Atlanta Hawks (Gm. 3) ESPN: Mark Jones, Doris Burke, Holly Rowe	ESPN, WatchESPN
	9:30 p.m.	Oklahoma City Thunder at Houston Rockets (Gm. 3) ESPN: Dave Pasch, Jon Barry, Samantha Ponder ESPN Radio: Kevin Calabro, Chris Mullin ESPN Deportes: Alvaro Martin, Carlos Morales	ESPN, ESPN Radio, WatchESPN, ESPN Deportes
Sun, Apr 28	12:30 p.m.	*KIA NBA Countdown* Magic Johnson, Bill Simmons, Jalen Rose, Michael Wilbon	ABC
	1 p.m.	New York Knicks at Boston Celtics (Gm. 4) ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Heather Cox ESPN Radio: Marc Kestecher, Dr. Jack Ramsay	ABC, ESPN Radio
	3:30 p.m.	Miami Heat at Milwaukee Bucks (Gm. 4) ESPN: Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Chris Broussard ESPN Deportes: Alvaro Martin, Carlos Morales	ABC, ESPN Deportes

ESPN, AT&T Announce New Broadcast Deal

Posted on March 26, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN and AT&T have made a very special announcement for AT&T U-verse subscribers. AT&T U-verse subscribers can now access WatchESPN on any mobile device via the WatchESPN app. It is also available to Gold Members through ESPN on Xbox Live. Any customer that receives ESPN’s linear networks as part of their AT&T U-Verse subscription will now be able to live stream programming from ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and ESPNU from their mobile devices, computers, laptops, and Xboxes. Along with this, customers will also get to enjoy ESPN’s Goal Line and Buzzer Beater through the WatchESPN app when the channels in question are available.

The announcement comes not long before the start of the most active time of year for sports. Major League Baseball’s regular season starts in only days. The Masters and the NBA Playoffs are right around the corner as well. Customers that own a supported smart phone or tablet can download the WatchESPN app by visiting the iTunes App Store, Google Play Store, or Amazon App Store for Android. Customers will be required to enter their AT&T U-Verse subscriber information before being able to access ESPN’s live content.

Customers using their computers and laptops to access content can go online to http://watchespn.com/activate/att and put in their U-Verse ID and password to get live programming. Xbox Live GOLD members can get the app and verify their subscription direct through their Xbox.

As even more good news for AT&T U-Verse subscribers, Disney Junior will be available for subscribers beginning this Friday, March 29^th. In addition, WATCH Disney Channel and WATCH Disney XD are expected to soon be available to AT&T U-Verse subscribers.

Battle For Brooklyn One Of 2013′s Most Important Documentaries

Posted on March 8, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Virgil Films

Battle for Brooklyn is one of the most important documentaries to be released this year. The film follows the battle of one Brooklyn neighborhood in its fight against a group wanting to build a new arena for the now Brooklyn Nets on top of their homes. It originally debuted at the Brooklyn International Film Festival on June 3^rd, 2011. It then went into a limited theatrical release on June 17^th, 2011. But it wasn’t until January 15^th of this year that the movie was finally released to DVD. And now that it’s available for the masses on DVD, audiences can and should pick up a copy of this gripping documentary.

Battle for Brooklyn was filmed by activist Daniel Goldstein, who takes audiences through his personal battle against Forest City Ratner in an attempt to keep his home and those of everyone in his neighborhood from being taken. The six year-long battle is expertly documented over the course of the documentary’s ninety-three minutes. In that hour and a half plus run time, Goldstein effortlessly manages to keep viewers engaged through the timeline of the events that unfolds. At the center of Battle for Brooklyn is the controversial issue of eminent domain, which is essentially the same thing as its predecessor, manifest destiny. Audiences are taken through the battle of one Brooklyn neighborhood against development firm, Forest City Ratner. The battle happens as Ratner has its sights aimed squarely at the community in question as the sight of the new home of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets. Some have called this presentation rather one sided. But in watching it, audiences will see that that couldn’t be farther from the truth as employees of Forest City Ratner are interviewed just as much as those living in the endangered neighborhood. And while Goldstein and those at his side make a number of very arguments against Forest City Ratner, the firm’s Executive VP makes at least one solid argument regarding economic progress. This argument is sure to be a point of contention that will bring about discussion among audiences; some of which may get heated.

The subject matter of this documentary is much like that of the hit movie, Barbershop 2 as it too focuses on a similar issue. One of the most powerful moments that viewers are presented with in Battle for Brooklyn comes when viewers discover that those who originally stood by Goldstein had either taken buyouts and their associated gag orders, or simply started taking the side of Forest City Ratner. Just as powerful is the revelation of some very interesting tax documents filed by a group known as B.U.I.L.D. The documents in question seem to hint that despite what one member of B.U.I.L.D. claimed, the forms show that a rather large amount of money was given to B.U.I.L.D. by Forest City Ratner. It’s just one of many revelations that show the power of business and political interests.

Goldstein has crafted in this feature, a story that’s just as gripping as any major legal thriller out there today as is already evidenced here. The difference is that unlike those legal thrillers, this story is real life. It shows a topic that while it has been used for movies and TV shows alike, it’s just as serious as those stories if not more so. It shows an unbiased look at the effect of corporate might on entire communities. The neighborhood placed in danger here is just one example of something that happens throughout the country. It adds an extra example in the bonus feature, “More To Talk About” The Tragedy Of Urban Renewal. Audiences learn that the history of eminent domain goes as far back as the 1950’s and the Truman presidency. Even as a mini-history lesson, it is an eye opener that puts the main story into even more focus. Together, the pair makes for a documentary that is just as good as any legal thriller penned for the big screen. It can be ordered direct now via the Virgil Films online store at http://www.virgilfilmsent.com/store/product.php?pid=604.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

The Other Dream Team Scores Big Points Among Documentaries

Posted on March 7, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Lionsgate

The Other Dream Team, the new basketball based documentary from Lionsgate, is a surprisingly interesting work. It’s a story that will interest both basketball fans, history buffs, and even anyone who has any interest in political science. While the story itself is based against a backdrop of basketball, it’s less about the sport in question and more about politics and a people’s struggle to escape the crushing hand of communism. Together with its bonus Q&A session with Writer/Director Marius A. Markevicius and Writer/Producer Jon Weinbach, The Other Dream Team proves to be a surprise contender for one of the year’s best documentaries.

The Other Dream Team’s run time comes in at just over an hour and a half. In that time, audiences are introduced to a work that’s not just another underdog story. Rather, it’s a story of a group of men who represented an entire country in its struggle to break free from the bonds of communism. It centers on a group of four Lithuanians who originally were forced to play for the Russian national basketball team, but then managed to break free and form a Lithuanian basketball team. Even in their freedom from the Russian national team, the men still faced challenges, including one member of the team—Arvydas Sarbonis–being prevented from joining the NBA by the government of the then Communist Russia. Even on this side of the Atlantic, Sarbonis was called Russian by NBA Commissioner David Stern when he was drafted by the NBA’s Portland Trailblazers, which he wasn’t. And NBA fans here were none too pleased with the announcement, effectively making Sarbonis a man without a country so to speak. Players on both sides of the ball explain in interviews how the game of basketball became less about playing a game and more of a political statement, and just how important that statement was. Audiences who perhaps have never delved very deep into the political history of Communist and post Communist Russia will be amazed by just how important a single game could be to a whole nation. That importance is highlighted even more through interviews with a number of people close to the game including former NBA great Bill Walton, ESPN’s Chad Ford, Fran Fraschilla and a host of others. The program also features original footage of the conflict between Lithuania and Russia both on and off the court highlighting just how tense things were between the two nations in Lithuania’s struggle for independence. It all comes together to make a documentary that anyone with a love of history, sports, or even politics will thoroughly enjoy.

The documentary itself is quite interesting to watch. After watching it, viewers will also want to check out the feature’s bonus Q&A session with Writer/Director Marius A. Markevicius and Writer/Producer Jon Weinbach. Viewers learn from the session’s opening moments that Markevicius’ interest in crafting this story came from his own Lithuanian roots. He explains about growing up, watching the Lithuanian basketball team, trying to follow them, despite the general lack of information released about them when he was a child. The session is highlighted by questions posted and followed by some very in depth answers from both men. Sometimes those answers will move audiences. Others, it will have them laughing. It serves as a very good companion to the bonus audio commentary included with the film. Along with the commentary in question, the vintage footage, interviews and every element that went into bringing this film to life, The Other Dream Team proves to be an unexpectedly impressive documentary, and one that proves to be one of the year’s best in the documentary category. It’s available now in stores and online and can be ordered direct via the Lionsgate online store at http://www.lionsgateshop.com/product.asp?Id=27844&TitleParentId=8032.

ESPN The Magazine’s “Analytics” Issue Hits Newsstands Friday

Posted on February 21, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: ESPN

The latest issue of ESPN The Magazine will have a special new feature piece. The second annual “Analytics” issue examines the rise of “wins above replacement” in Major League Baseball in the article War is the Answer.” The article, written by Baseball Prospectus writer Sam Miller, gives readers an in-depth look at how next level metrics are changing what we think we know about sports. This is thanks in large part to last season’s AL MVP debate centered on Miguel Cabrera and Mike Trout. Miller’s article encourages fans to embrace, not fight Wins Above Replacement, arguing that it is MLB’s signature stat.

Miller’s article is one of the key features in the new issue of EPN The Magazine. As a companion piece of sorts, it will also include a piece on how the NBA’s Portland Trailblazers use advanced metrics to rebuild its franchise. That’s all in Jordan Brenner’s article, “You Can Call Them Trailblazers.” Morty Ain’s article, “The Year analytics Took Over The World” brings everything together for this issue. It adds stats and figures to show their impact on hirings, firings and even in-game decisions last year around the sports world. That’s all in the new article, due to hit store shelves this Friday, February 22^nd. Stories from the world of NASCAR and the NHL highlighting how analytics affects each are also included in this new issue. That and much more are all available in the new issue of ESPN The Magazine.

An added note for readers: ESPN The Magazine is sponsoring the Research Paper of the Year Award for the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference. The conference was founded in 2006. Co-Chaired by Daryl Morley and Jessica Gelman, it offers professionals and students a platform to discuss the ever growing role of analytics throughout the world of competitive sports. Over 100 papers have been submitted for this year’s conference. And now, readers can read each of the finalists and vote on them via SportsNation. The fan’s choice will be announced at the next conference, next Friday and Saturday, March 1^st and 2^nd.

ESPN Radio Releases Schedule For NBA All-Star Game Broadcast

Posted on February 13, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: ESPN/ESPN Radio

ESPN Radio will nationally broadcast the 2013 Sprint NBA All-Star Game. This marks the 17^th straight year that ESPN Radio will have events through the All-Star game, which lead up to the broadcast of the annual game. The game will be broadcast this Sunday, February 17^th at 7:30pm EST. The game will be called by Kevin Calabro. He will be joined by analyst and NBA Hall of Famer Dr. Jack Ramsay. Marc Kestecher will join the team live from ESPN’s studios. He will be joined by NBA Hall of Famer Chris Mullin, ESPN NBA insider Marc Stein, and reporter Shelley Smith.

Coverage of this weekend’s All-Star Game starts Friday with a broadcast of First Take live from Houston at 10am. ESPN Radio’s SVP and Rusillo will also broadcast live. The pair will broadcast live at 1pm this Friday. It will also simulcast on ESPNNEWS. Both shows will broadcast from the House of Blues in Houston. Along with the live broadcast, Ryen Rusillo will also participate in the 2013 All-Star Celebrity Game live from the George R. Brown Convention Center. He and ESPN commentator Bruce Bowen will be among many other celebrities taking part in the game. Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder) and James Harden (Houston Rockets) will serve as special coaches for the event. Mark Jones will provide commentary for the game and will be joined by analyst Jon Barry and reporter Chris Broussard. Audiences can catch the game via ESPN Mobile TV and online at WatchESPN. Audiences with tablets and smart phones can catch the game with the WatchESPN app.

ESPN.com will have even more content through the weekend including live chats and grades for all events related to the NBA All-Star Game. TrueHoop’s Henry Abbott will also present TrueHoop TV content all weekend. A full schedule of events from ESPN Radio and ESPN International is available below.

ESPN Radio’s 2013 NBA All-Star schedule

Date	Event	Time (ET)
Fri., Feb. 15	BBVA Rising Stars Challenge	9 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 16	Meet the All-Stars	6 p.m.
	NBA All-Star Saturday Night: *The Sears Shooting Stars* *The Taco Bell Skills Challenge* *The Foot Locker Three-Point Contest* *The Sprite Slam Dunk Contest*	8:30 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 17	*2013 Sprint NBA All-Star Game*	7:30 p.m.

ESPN International All-Star coverage

NBA All-Star Celebrity Game: Live on Pac-Rim, Brazil, Atlantic, Caribbean and UK, Friday at 7pm EST

Rising Stars Challenge: Live on Pac-Rim, Brazil, Atlantic, Caribbean and UK, Friday at 9pm EST

NBA All-Star Saturday Night: Live on Pac-Rim, Brazil, Atlantic, Caribbean and UK, Saturday at 8:30pm EST.

NBA All-Star Game: Live on Pac-Rim, Brazil, Atlantic, Caribbean and UK, Sunday at 8pm EST

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

ESPN Debuting New NBA Countdown Set

Posted on December 21, 2012 by philspicks

ESPN is set to debut a brand new set for its NBA broadcasts. The new Kia NBA Countdown set will debut Christmas Day at 2:30pm EST. When it debuts, the Kia NBA Countdown set will be the largest set at ESPN’s Los Angeles Production Center. It will include: six new automated, mobile video monitors, a total of four LED monitors that measure eight feet by five feet each, a larger oval shaped desk and an LED surround curtain that changes color throughout the show. The set’s new desk was designed with the intent of creating a more free-flowing, conversational style show.

Courtesy: ESPN

Along with the new physical changes, audiences will also notice the studios massive amount of space. The increased space will allow the hosts—Magic Johnson, Michael Wilbon, and new additions Bill Simmons and Jalen Rose—more room to move throughout the show. Fans will also notice more video to complement the discussions raised during the Countdown. The new set and new co-hosts will debut Christmas Day just before the start of ABC’s mega-double header that starts with a bi-coastal matchup facing the Knicks against the host Lakers. The second game of the day pits the Thunder against the Heat in a matchup of last season’s NBA Finals. That game is set to start at 5:30pm EST.

Fans who miss the new set on the Countdown need not worry as they’ll get to see it when Johnson and company re-join audiences during half time of both games and between games to offer their thoughts on the games. Should audiences be travelling or with family and friends on Christmas, there are no worries there. The Kia NBA Countdown airs every Wednesday and Friday on ESPN and on ABC every Sunday before the network’s weekly game.

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it or its companion page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Reel-Reviews/381028148587141. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

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Tag Archives: NBA

ABC Pulls Big Number For NBA Finals Game 5

ESPN.com Offers NBA Fans, Viewers Extensive Finals Coverage

Junior Welterweight Bout Headlines May 10th Edition Of FNF

ABC, ESPN Networks Carrying Seven Playoff Games This Weekend

ESPN, AT&T Announce New Broadcast Deal

Battle For Brooklyn One Of 2013′s Most Important Documentaries

The Other Dream Team Scores Big Points Among Documentaries

ESPN The Magazine’s “Analytics” Issue Hits Newsstands Friday

ESPN Radio Releases Schedule For NBA All-Star Game Broadcast

ESPN Debuting New NBA Countdown Set

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