Broadcasters have their lineups for the first round of the NBA Playoffs, which tip off on ABC and ESPN this weekend with the first five games of the postseason. Mike Breen, analysts Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson and reporter Lisa Salters open things up with Game 1 of the Rockets/ Warriors on Saturday at 3:30p on ABC. Breen and team then fly to call the Pistons/Cavaliers on Sunday at 3p on ABC. Saturday will also see ESPN offer a triple-header Saturday beginning at 12:30p with the Pacers/ Raptors, followed later at 7p with Hawks/Celtics and at 9:30p with Thunder/Mavericks. The NBA Countdown crew hosts a special NBA Playoffs Preview show tonight at 9p.
On TNT, which will offer more than 40 NBA Playoff games overall, the action starts with a tripleheader on Sunday beginning with Hornets/Heat at 5:30p, followed by Grizzlies/Spurs at 8p and Trail Blazers/Clippers at 10:30p. The network plans several state-of-the-art technological elements during the playoffs including super-slow-motion cameras that will offer viewers with replays at key moments of the games as well as the continued use of player mics to bring fans the sounds of the game from the floor and the use of robotic cameras placed above each backboard. First round commentator teams include: Marv Albert/Chris Webber; Kevin Harlan/Reggie Miller; Brian Anderson/Steve Smith/Kevin McHale; and Ian Eagle/Brent Barry.
NBA TV’s playoff lineup will serve up nine first round games beginning Monday with the Pacers/Raptors at 7p. Kevin Calabro, Grant Hill, Kevin Ray will handle microphone duties. Next up will be the Hornets/Heat on April 20 at 7p, featuring Spero Dedes, Mike Fratello, and Rebecca Haarlow on the call.
