NBA Eastern Conference Finals Tips Off Tuesday On ESPN

Courtesy: ESPN

Miami and Boston will vie for the NBA’s Eastern Conference Championship this year.

The Heat and Celtics will tip-off their championship series at 8:30 p.m. ET Tuesday on ESPN.  Mike Breen will anchor Tuesday night’s broadcast.  Analysts Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson will provide additional commentary.  The trio will also have the call for the NBA Finals presented by YouTube on ABC.

NBA Countdown presented by Mountain Dew will precede Game One’s broadcast.  Maria Taylor will anchor the broadcast, which will come live from ESPN’s new rooftop, riverfront stadium in New York City.  Analysts Jalen Rose, Stephen A. Smith and Jay Williams will provide additional commentary.  Williams’ appearance will be remote.

ESPN Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski will also provide commentary for the pre-game show.  His appearance will come live from the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, FL, the home of the NBA playoffs.

Start time for Game One’s broadcast is subject to change depending on coverage of Game Seven in the Western Conference semi-final matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers.  The game is also scheduled to take place Tuesday.  The Nuggets forced the Game Seven showdown after defeating the Clippers 111-98 Sunday.

Game One of the NBA Eastern Conference Championship series will simulcast on ESPN, ESPN Radio, ESPN Deportes and online through the ESPN App.

More information the ESPN networks’ NBA’s postseason coverage is available online now along with all of the latest NBA headlines at:

 

Website: http://www.espn.com/nba

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NBAonESPN

Twitter: http://twitter.com/espnnba

 

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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

TNT Continues Coverage Of Lakers-Rockets Series Tonight; Celtics-Raptors Series Finale To Air Friday On TNT

Courtesy: TNT/Turner Sports/NBA

TNT continues its coverage of the NBA playoffs tonight.

The network’s coverage will center on the semifinal matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets.  Los Angeles leads the Western Conference series two games to one.

Coverage is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on TNT’s NBA pre-game show TNT NBA Tip-Off presented by Autotrader.  TNT’s broadcast team of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal will discuss the game and what to expect in the other Western conference semi-final, that of the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers.  The Clippers lead that series three games to one.

The quartet will also wrap up the Lakers-Rockets game following it conclusion on Inside The NBA presented by Kia.

In related news, TNT will carry a double-header schedule Friday beginning with coverage of Game Seven in the Boston Celtics-Toronto Raptors Eastern Conference semi-finals series.  Johnson, Smith, Barkley and O’Neal will open the evening’s coverage at 6:30 p.m. ET on TNT NBA Tip-Off presented by Autotrader.

After that game, TNT will turn its attention back to the Western Conference with coverage of Game Five in the Lakers-Rockets series.

All three games will simulcast online through http://www.tntdrama.com/watchTNT and the Watch TNT App.  Coverage is sponsored by AT&T, Quicken Loans, and Apple Music.  Audiences can log in by using the username and password provided by their TV service provider.

More information on TNT’s NBA coverage is available online now along with all of the latest NBA headlines at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.nba.com/tntovertime

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NBAONTNT

 

 

 

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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

 

 

NBA Postseason Coverage Continues Monday, Tuesday On TNT

Courtesy: TNT/Turner Sports/NBA

TNT’s coverage of the NBA postseason continue this week with two consecutive days of coverage.

 

MONDAY SEMIFINAL COVERAGE

The network’s coverage opens tonight with a semifinals double header that is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. ET.  The Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics open the night with the fifth game in their best-of-seven series.  The series is tied at two games each.

Boston took the series’ first two games, but Toronto came back to win in a last second basket from OG Anunoby.  The Raptors took Game four in easier fashion.

Quarantine regulations will keep Boston’s starting Forward Gordon Hayward off the court despite his recovery from an ankle injury he sustained in Game 1 of the quarterfinals.  He is healed, but has to quarantine for at least four days as per league regulations just to ensure he has no symptoms of COVID-19.

The second game on the night will see the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets face off in Game Three of their semifinal series.  That series is tied at one game each.  Coverage is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET.

 

TUESDAY SEMIFINAL COVERAGE

The Miami Heat looks to finish off the Milwaukee Bucks in their best of seven semifinals matchup Tuesday night.  Miami leads Milwaukee 3-1 in that series.  Coverage is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. ET.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets follow at 9 p.m. ET.  They are tied at one game each in that series.

More information on TNT’s NBA coverage is available online now along with all of the latest NBA headlines at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.nba.com/tntovertime

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NBAONTNT

 

 

 

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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

John 5, Tommy Lee Join Tyla Yaweh Saturday For Pre-Game Performance on ESPN

Courtesy: ESPN

John 5 is joining forces with ESPN and the National Basketball Association to celebrate the NBA’s return.

The guitarist will join Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee Saturday to perform with up-and-coming rapper Tyla  Yaweh Saturday for a live online performance to kick off the NBA’s return on ESPN.  The performance, scheduled to take place at 5:10 p.m. ET prior to ESPN’s digital pre-game show Hoop Streams presented by Google, will stream through YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and the ESPN app.

John 5 talked about working with Tyla Yaweh and Tommy Lee for Saturday’s virtual performance, saying he was looking forward to it.

“I have a long time friendship with Tommy Lee and we have worked on some really great music together,” he said. “I really love how the remix turned out and loved working with new friends Tyla and Post Malone. I love this song and I’m proud to be a part of this.”

Which remix John 5 is referencing in his statement is unknown.  It was not directly addressed in a news release distributed about the performance.

Hoop Streams presented by Google debuts tonight and runs for five episodes through Aug. 3.  Cassidy Hubarth will host the July 31 broadcast, which is scheduled to broadcast at 6 p.m. ET from ESPN’s studios.  She will be joined by analyst and NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins and fellow ESPN NBA analyst Amin Elhassan remotely for additionally commentary.

The broadcast team for each Hoop Streams presented by Google is noted below.

 

Hoop Streams schedule July 31-August 3

 

Date Fri, July 31     Sat, Aug. 1     Sat, Aug. 1     Mon, Aug. 3     Mon, Aug. 3

Time (ET) 6-6:30 p.m.     5:30-6 p.m.     8-8:30 p.m.     6-6:30 p.m.     8:30-9 p.m.

Commentators Cassidy Hubbarth, Kendrick Perkins, Amin Elhassan   Christine Williamson, Omar Raja, Gary Striewski   Cassidy Hubbarth, Kendrick Perkins, Amin Elhassan   Christine Williamson, Omar Raja, Gary Striewski   Cassidy Hubbarth, Kendrick Perkins, Amin Elhassan

 

ESPN’s NBA coverage tips off at 7 p.m. with the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks facing off at 6:30 p.m. ET.

All of John 5 and The Creatures’ latest news and more is available at:

 

Website: http://john-5.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/John5official

Twitter: http://twitter.com/john5guitarist

 

More information on ESPN’s NBA coverage is available along with all of the league’s latest headlines at:

 

Website: http://www.espn.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ESPN

Twitter: http://twitter.com/espn

 

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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

TNT To Launch Its NBA 2016-’17 Season Coverage Tuesday Night

Courtesy: TNT/Turner Sports/NBA

TNT will kick off its coverage of the NBA’s 2016-2017 season Tuesday night with a double header matchup.

Opening Night presented by Autotrader opens Tuesday night at 7pm with live coverage of the Cleveland Cavaliers receiving their championship rings.  Following the ceremony, Cleveland will play host to the New York Knicks at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game was originally scheduled to air at 8 p.m. ET.

The second game on the night will see the Golden State Warriors–on the heels of an historic 73-win season—hosting the San Antonio Spurs at 10:30 p.m. ET.

The 2016-’17 season marks the 21^st season that TNT has launched its NBA season coverage with a double header schedule.  Marv Albert will have the call for the Cavs/Knicks game.  He will be joined by analyst Chris Webber for additional commentary.  Reporter Kristen Ledlow will be on hand for all of the latest in-game news and interviews.

Kevin Harlan will have the call for TNT’s coverage of the Warriors and Spurs.  He will be joined by analyst Reggie Miller for additional commentary.  Reporter David Aldridge will be on hand for all of the latest in-game news and interviews.

Tuesday night’s double-header schedule will be preceded by TNT’s pre-game coverage beginning at 5 p.m. ET.  Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal will be live for the network’s pre-game coverage and for the network’s American Express Halftime Report.

The trio will also wrap up the night’s action on the network’s post-game show, Inside the NBA presented by Kia.

TNT’s NBA coverage continues Thursday night with another double-header beginning at 8pm ET as the Bulls host the Celtics.  Marv Albert will have the call for the game.  He will be joined by analyst Mike Fratello for additional commentary.  Reporter Kristen Ledlow will have all of the latest in-game news and interviews.

Portland hosts the Clippers in the second of the night’s games beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET.  Kevin Harlan will have the call for the game.  He will be joined by analyst Reggie Miller for additional commentary.  Reporter David Aldridge will have all of the latest in-game news and interviews.

More information on TNT’s upcoming NBA coverage is available online now along with all of the latest NBA headlines at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.nba.com/tntovertime

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NBAONTNT

 

 

 

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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Cavs, Warriors Take The Spotlight In ESPN Networks’ NBA Coverage This Week

 

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN and the ESPN networks have another busy week of basketball ahead of them this week.

Officials with ESPN announced today the networks’ NBA broadcast schedule.  This week’s schedule kicks off tonight with a cross conference showdown between the Rockets and the Cavaliers.  LeBron James and the Cavaliers play host tonight to James Harden and the Houston Rockets in the Quicken Loans Arena.  The game will air live on ESPN Radio with Marc Kestecher on the call.  He will be joined by Jon Barry for additional commentary.  Tipoff is scheduled for 7pm ET.  Cleveland has already clinched the Central Division in the East, and also sits atop the conference, three games ahead of second place Toronto.  A win tonight for Cleveland will hold that lead while a loss will allow the Raptors to close that gap just a little bit more.  Tonight’s game means just as much for Houston.  That is because the Rockets currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference’s playoff ladder.  A win could potentially keep them in the hunt for the seventh spot on the ladder.  That spot is currently held by the Jazz.

After taking a couple of days off, the action picks back up Friday with a double-header.  Up first Friday night is yet another matchup with huge playoff implications as the Cavs are on the road against the Hawks.  Atlanta currently sits third in the East eight games back from Cleveland.  It is sure to be an even matchup for both teams.  Atlanta is 24 – 13 at home so far this season while Cleveland is 22 – 15 on the road.  Mark Jones will have the call for the game.  He will be joined by Hall of Famer and analyst Hubie Brown for additional commentary.  Reporter Chris Broussard will be courtside for all of the game’s latest headlines interviews, and more.  The game will air live at 8pm ET on ESPN.

Friday’s second game will see Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors host Isiah Thomas and the Boston Celtics as the Warriors’ quest for history continues.  Boston currently sits fifth in the East while Golden State leads the West.  The Warriors have also already clinched the Pacific division in the West.  Mike Tirico will have the call for the game, which is scheduled for a 10:30pm ET tipoff on ESPN.  He will be joined by Jon Barry for additional commentary.  Reporter J.A. Adande will be courtside throughout the game for all of the game’s latest headlines and interviews.

Before the first ball goes in the air Friday night Sage Steel, Jalen Rose, and Chauncey Billups will have a preview of the night’s games on NBA Countdown charged by Mountain Dew at 7:30pm ET on ESPN.

Oklahoma City and Houston round out the week’s NBA coverage across the ESPN networks.  The Thunder and Rockets will face off live Sunday afternoon on NBA Sunday Showcase presented by BBVA.  The game will air live on ABC and ESPN Radio beginning at 3:30pm ET.  Mike Breen will have the call for Sunday afternoon’s game.  He will be joined by Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson for additional commentary.  Reporter Lisa Salters will be courtside for al of the latest in-game news and interviews.  Kevin Calabro and Jon Barry will cover the game for ESPN Radio.  Sage Steel, Jalen Rose, and Chauncey Billups will preview Sunday’s game on NBA Countdown presented by Straight Talk Wireless.

More information on the ESPN networks’ coverage of the NBA is available online along with all of the latest NBA headlines at:

 

 

Website: http://espn.go.com/nba

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NBAonESPN

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

ESPN Networks Highlight Western Conference In This Week’s NBA Coverage

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN has announced its NBA coverage schedule for this week. And in this week’s schedule of games the Thunder and Clippers will be highlighted.

This week’s NBA broadcast schedule kicks off tonight with a double header schedule on ESPN. First up on the night is a cross-conference matchup between Memphis and Boston. While the showdown pits teams from opposite conferences against one another it still will have its own playoff implications. Boston currently sits third overall in the East, seven games back from Cleveland while Memphis currently sits 5^th in the West, eighteen and a half games back from the Warriors. Neither team has yet clinched a playoff berth. So win or lose tonight’s game between the Celtics and Grizzles will play a big part in the teams’ playoff fates. Tipoff for tonight’s game is scheduled for 7pm ET. Mark Jones will have the call for the game. He will be joined by Tim Legler for additional commentary.

Second up on the night is a Western Conference matchup between Oklahoma City and the Los Angeles Clippers. The Thunder welcome the Clippers into the Chesapeake Arena in a game that will also determine both teams’ playoff fates. That is because neither team yet has clinched its berth in the post season. Oklahoma City currently sits third in the west with the Clippers not too far behind in fourth. Neither team has a chance of catching the Warriors or Spurs. But both teams can potentially set their place in the playoffs. Tipoff for the game is set for 9:30pm ET. The game will be simulcast on ESPN and ESPN Radio. Dave Pasch will have the call for the game on ESPN. He will be joined by Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, and Chris Broussard for additional commentary. On the radio side, Marc Kestecher will have the call for the game. He will be joined by P.J. Carlesimo for additional commentary.

Ahead of Wednesday night’s double header schedule Rachel Nichols, Tracy McGrady, and Brian WIndhorst will have a preview of the night’s games and will look ahead to the rest of the week’s schedule in The Jump beginning at 1pm ET on ESPN2.

After Wednesday night’s double header ESPN will shift its attention to college basketball. It will be carrying coverage of the ACC Tournament and Big Ten Tournament Thursday and Friday. The NBA action picks back up on Saturday night at 8:30 pm ET with a Western Conference matchup between Oklahoma City and San Antonio. The Spurs will play host to the Thunder on NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC presented by La Quinta beginning at 8:30pm ET on ABC. Mike Tirico will have the call for Saturday’s game. He will be joined by analysts Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson for additional commentary. Sage Steele, Jalen Rose, and Doug Collins will preview the night’s matchup and look back on the week’s other games ahead of Saturday’s showdown between the Western Conference opponents. San Antonio has already clinched its spot in the post season. But Oklahoma City has not yet solidified its spot in the playoffs. If it doesn’t clinch Wednesday night, a win Saturday could set its spot in that race.

Cleveland and the Clippers round out the week’s NBA coverage on ESPN and the ESPN networks Sunday afternoon on NBA Sunday Showcase presented by BBVA. Cleveland sits atop the Eastern Conference but has yet to clinch its spot in the playoffs. So the team will be looking to punch its post season ticket in the game. That is because the Raptors, who currently sit second in the East, are currently only two games back from Cleveland. So they are making things very interesting for Cleveland heading into the regular season’s final stretch. Win or lose Wednesday Sunday’s game will still have its own implications for the Clippers, too. That is because the Clippers sit fourth in the West. The fifth-place Grizzlies don’t have a chance of catching the Clippers and the Clippers likely won’t catch the Thunder either. So L.A. will be looking to solidify its place in the post season once and for all Sunday against the Cavs. Mike Breen will have the call for the game. He will be joined by analyst and Hall of Famer Hubie Brown for additional commentary. Reporter Lisa Salters will also be courtside throughout the game for all of the latest updates and more. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30pm ET. The game will be simulcast on ABC, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN Radio. Kevin Calabro will have the call on ESPN Radio. He will be joined by P.J. Carlesimo for additional commentary. The full schedule for this week’s NBA coverage across the ESPN networks is noted below.

 

 

Date	Time (ET)	Telecast/Commentators	Network (s)
Tues, Mar 8	3:30 p.m.	The Jump presented by State Farm Rachel Nichols, Tracy McGrady, Brian Windhorst	ESPN
Wed, Mar 9	1 a.m.	NBA Tonight Cassidy Hubbarth, Tim Legler	ESPN2
	1 p.m.	The Jump presented by State Farm* Rachel Nichols, Tracy McGrady, Brian Windhorst	ESPN2
	7 p.m.	Memphis Grizzlies at Boston Celtics Mark Jones, Jon Barry	ESPN
	9:30 p.m.	Los Angeles Clippers at Oklahoma City Thunder Dave Pasch, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Chris Broussard Radio: Marc Kestecher, P.J. Carlesimo	ESPN, ESPN Radio
Thu, Mar 10	1 a.m.	NBA Tonight Cassidy Hubbarth, Brad Daugherty	ESPN2
	3:30 p.m.	The Jump presented by State Farm Rachel Nichols,	ESPN
Fri, Mar 11	1 a.m.	NBA Tonight Cassidy Hubbarth, Brad Daugherty	ESPN2
	3:30 p.m.	The Jump presented by State Farm Rachel Nichols	ESPN
Sat, Mar 12	1 a.m.	NBA Tonight Cassidy Hubbarth, Amin Elhassan	ESPN2
	8 p.m.	NBA Countdown Sage Steele, Jalen Rose, Doug Collins	ABC
	8:30 p.m.	Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs  presented by La Quinta Mike Tirico, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters	ABC
Sun, Mar 13	1:30 a.m.	NBA Tonight Cassidy Hubbarth, Amin Elhassan	ESPN2
	3 p.m.	NBA Countdown presented by Straight Talk Wireless Sage Steele, Jalen Rose, Doug Collins	ABC
	3:30 p.m.	Cleveland Cavaliers  at Los Angeles Clippers presented by BBVA Mike Breen, Hubie Brown, Heather Cox Radio: Kevin Calabro, P.J. Carlesimo	ABC, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Radio

 

 

More information on the ESPN networks’ NBA coverage is available online along with all of the latest NBA headlines at:

 

Website: http://espn.go.com/nba

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NBAonESPN

 

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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

ESPN The Magazine Presenting NBA Preview Show Monday Night

Courtesy: ESPN

NBA fans will want to tune in to ESPN2 Monday night, October 21^st.  That’s because Monday night, ESPN2 will present the ESPN The Magazine: NBA Preview Show.  ESPN analysts George Karl and Avery Johnson will join a panel of NBA head coaches and host Jonathan “The Coach” Coachman to look at the upcoming 2013-2014 season.  The season’s major storylines will be discussed along with early predictions for the season.

One of the highlights of Monday night’s broadcast will be the coaches’ roundtable.  During this segment, the show’s staff of coaches will discuss reigning NBA MVP LeBron James.  ESPN NBA Insider will offer insights shared by “King James” during his one-on-on interview with James for ESPN The Magazine.  ESPN The Magazine’s NBA Preview edition is available on newsstands everywhere now.

LeBron James isn’t the only star that will be profiled on Monday night’s ESPN The Magazine: NBA Preview Show.  Dwight Howard, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett will each be discussed.  That’s because all three will have new teammates this season.  The panelists will discuss what this may mean for each star.  Along with this, the panelists will also discuss what can be expected from the Brooklyn Nets new coach and former NBA player, Jason Kidd.

ESPN’s 2013-2014 NBA season tips off Friday, November 1^st with a matchup of the Nets with their first time coach and the defending NBA champion Miami Heat.  The game is slated for an 8pm ET tipoff.  That game will be followed up with a match between the defending NBA Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers.  That game is expected for a 10:30pm ET start time. Both games are currently scheduled to air on ESPN.  ESPN will also air a pre-season doubleheader next Wednesday, October 23^rd.  The first of those games will feature the Boston Celtics hosting the Nets at 7pm.  The second will see the Chicago Bulls on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder.  That game is scheduled for a 9:30pm ET start time.

More information on these games and all things NBA is available online at http://www.facebook.com/NBAonESPN and http://espn.go.com/nba.  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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.