By: Jim Williams
You say you like NBA Playoff basketball? Ah my friends I have eight games for you this weekend starting with a four games today on the ESPN/ABC family of networks.
Let’s make sure that we get this out there before the first tip of the first NBA Playoffs begins. We and by we I mean me and you the fans want to see a Cleveland – Lakers NBA Final. We want to see LeBron vs. Kobe play like Magic and Larry, or Michael and Magic. But alas there is a long way to go with many exciting twists and turns along the way and it all starts today
First stop on our trip across country puts us in Boston where the defending NBA Champions will open defense of their title against the Chicago Bulls. The broadcast team assigned to this series will be Dan Shulman, analyst Jon Barry and reporter Nancy Lieberman. Tip off will be around 12:38PM or so.
At 2:30PM fans would be served well to turn in to hear from NBA Countdown gang, with host Stuart Scott and analysts Magic Johnson, Michael Wilbon and Jon Barry (Sunday). As always these guys will offer their views on all the NBA Playoff action and take notes you just might learn something.
At 3PM on ABC has showcase game of the day. It is in the home of the Rock in Roll Hall of Fame where King LeBron James plays. Cleveland faces Detroit and the King should only have the best right? Well then he does because Mike Breen will call all the action with his gifted partners Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy offering their always insightful analysis with reporter Lisa Salters on hand for the interviews.
We take a couple of hours off to grab a little dinner then back to ESPN we go for a Texas size showdown. The Spurs will be hosting the Mavs in what should be a fine first round match up. The ESPN broadcast team is always worthy of watching Mike Tirico, analyst Hubie Brown and reporter Heather Cox. Mike and Hubie could make a pick up game seem entertain so San Antonio and Dallas will be in good hands.
The night cap is in The City of Roses Portland where their hometown Blazers faceoff against Houston. 10:30PM is our start time on ESPN and the under appreciated team of Dave Pasch, analyst Doris Burke and reporter Ric Bucher will be on hand for your listening pleasure.
Two other items of interest before we go… Don’t miss NBA Shootaround, with host Mark Jones and analysts Avery Johnson and Jalen Rose, look at all playoff action Their long day starts at noon. Stuart Scott and analyst Jamal Mashburn will also contribute to the show. They will be on before, during and after all the ESPN telecasts. So check them out.
Sunday on ABC at 3PM we get to see Kobe Bryant and the Lakers will host the Utah Jazz and Deron Williams.
All toll we can see 44 NBA Playoffs all in glorious HD on the ESPN family of networks.
We will have plenty more as the playoffs unfold.
