Monday, December 21st

Cleveland Cavaliers at Phoenix Suns (NBATV, 9pm)- Local Announcers

Tuesday, December 22nd

Oklahoma City Thunder at LA Lakers (NBATV, 10:30pm)- Local Announcers

Wednesday, December 23rd

Houston Rockets at Atlanta Hawks (NBATV, 7pm)- Local Announcers

Friday, December 25th

Miami at New York (ESPN, Noon)- Dan Shulman, Doris Burke
Boston at Orlando (ABC, 2:30pm)- Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Heather Cox
Cleveland at L.A. Lakers (ABC, 5pm)- Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy, Lisa Salters
L.A. Clippers at Phoenix (ABC, 8pm)- Dave Pasch, Jon Barry
Denver at Portland (ESPN, 10:30pm)- Kevin Calabro, Tim Legler

Saturday, December 26th

Washington Wizards at Minnesota Timberwolves (NBATV, 8pm)- Local Announcers

Sunday, December 27th

San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks (NBATV, 6pm)- Local Announcers

Here is your collection of games for the upcoming NBA Season airing on ESPN and ABC. There are a ton of great matchups, and the teams you expect to see, you'll be getting a ton of. The Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, L.A. Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs, all are getting 10 games on ESPN. While on ABC there will be six appearances by the Celtics and Lakers, and five by the Cavs and Magic.

(FYI- TNT's schedule will be going up after this.)

2009-10 NBA Schedule on ABC

Fri., Dec. 25th

Boston at Orlando (2:30pm)
Cleveland at L.A. Lakers (5pm)

Sun., Jan. 31st

Denver at San Antonio (1pm)
L.A. Lakers at Boston (3:30pm)

Sun., Feb. 7th

Orlando at Boston (2:30pm)

Sun., Feb. 21st

Cleveland at Orlando (1pm)
Boston at Denver (3:30pm)

Sun., Feb. 28th

Phoenix at San Antonio (1pm)
Denver at L.A. Lakers (3:30pm)

Sun., March 7th

L.A. Lakers at Orlando (2:30pm)

Sun., March 14th

Boston at Cleveland (3:30pm)

Sun., April 4th

Cleveland at Boston (1pm)
San Antonio at L.A. Lakers (3:30pm)

Sun., April 11th

Orlando at Cleveland (1pm)
Portland at L.A. Lakers (3:30pm)
___________________________

2009-10 NBA Schedule on ESPN (* denotes preseason game)

Fri., Oct. 23rd

Atlanta at Orlando (8pm*)
Denver vs. L.A. Lakers (10:30pm*)

Wed., Oct. 28th

New Orleans at San Antonio (8pm)
Utah at Denver (10:30pm)

Fri., Oct. 30th

Chicago at Boston (8pm)
Dallas at L.A. Lakers (10:30pm)

Wed., Nov. 4th

Miami at Washington (7pm)
Dallas at New Orleans (9:30pm)

Fri., Nov. 6th

Cleveland at New York (8pm)
San Antonio at Portland (10:30pm)

Wed., Nov. 11th

Cleveland at Orlando (8pm)
New Orleans at Phoenix (10:30pm)

Fri., Nov. 13th

Atlanta at Boston (8pm)
L.A. Lakers at Denver (10:30pm)

Wed., Nov. 18th

Cleveland at Washington (7pm)
San Antonio at Dallas (9:30pm)

Fri., Nov. 20th

Orlando at Boston (8pm)
Denver at L.A. Clippers (10:30pm)

Wed., Nov. 25th

Miami at Orlando (7:30pm)

Fri., Nov. 27th

Washington at Miami (7pm)
Phoenix at Minnesota (9:30pm)

Wed., Dec. 4th

Chicago at Cleveland (8pm)
Miami at L.A. Lakers (10:30pm)

Wed., Dec. 9th

Detroit at Philadelphia (7pm)

Fri., Dec. 11th

Portland at Cleveland (8pm)
Orlando at Phoenix (10:30pm)

Wed., Dec. 16th

Dallas at Oklahoma City (8pm)
San Antonio at Golden State (10:30pm)

Fri., Dec. 18th

L.A. Clippers at New York (8pm)
Washington at Golden State (10:30pm)

Fri., Dec. 25th

Miami at New York (Noon)
L.A. Clippers at Phoenix (8pm)
Denver at Portland (10:30pm)

Wed., Jan. 6th

L.A. Lakers vs. L.A. Clippers (10:30pm)

Fri., Jan. 8th

Boston at Atlanta (8pm)
Cleveland at Denver (10:30pm)

Sun., Jan. 10th

Cleveland at Portland (9pm)

Fri., Jan. 15th

Toronto at New York (8pm)
Orlando at Portland (10:30pm)

Sun., Jan. 17th

Utah at Denver (9pm)

Wed., Jan. 20th

Utah at San Antonio (9pm)

Fri., Jan. 22nd

L.A. Lakers at New York (8pm)
Chicago at Phoenix (10:30pm)

Wed., Feb. 3rd

Miami at Boston (8pm)
Portland at Utah (10:30pm)

Fri., Feb. 5th

Chicago at Atlanta (8pm)
Denver at L.A. Lakers (10:30pm)

Wed., Feb. 17th

Phoenix at Dallas (9pm)

Fri., Feb. 19th

Dallas at Orlando (8pm)
Boston at Portland (10:30pm)

Sun., Feb. 21st

Atlanta at Golden State (8pm)
Utah at Portland (10:30pm)

Wed., Feb. 24th

L.A. Lakers at Dallas (9pm)

Fri., Feb. 26th

Dallas at Atlanta (8pm)
L.A. Clippers at Phoenix (10:30pm)

Sun., Feb. 28th

Miami at Orlando (7pm)
New Orleans at Dallas (9:30pm)

Fri., March 5th

Detroit at Cleveland (7pm)
New Orleans at San Antonio (9:30pm)

Sun., March 7th

Washington at Boston (8pm)
Portland at Denver (10:30pm)

Mon., March 15th

Detroit at Boston (8pm)
L.A. Lakers at Golden State (10:30pm)

Wed., March 17th

San Antonio at Orlando (8pm)
New Orleans at Golden State (10:30pm)

Sun., March 21th

Detroit at Cleveland (8pm)
Portland at Phoenix (10:30pm)

Wed., March 24th

Denver at Boston (7pm)
L.A. Lakers at San Antonio (9:30pm)

Sun., March 28th

San Antonio at Boston (8pm)

Wed., March 31st

Golden State at Utah (10pm)

Fri., April 2nd

Atlanta at Cleveland (8pm)
Utah at L.A. Lakers (10:30pm)

Wed., April 7th

Washington at Orlando (8pm)
San Antonio at Phoenix (10:30pm)

Wed., April 14th

Indiana at Washington (8pm)
Phoenix at Utah (10:30pm)

Here is your announcing schedule for the NBA the week....

Monday, March 2nd

Dallas Mavericks at Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA TV, 8pm)- Brian Davis, Grant Long

Tuesday, March 3rd

Fan Night Matchup: Phoenix Suns at Orlando Magic (NBA TV, 7pm)- David Steele, Matt Guokas

Wednesday, March 4th

San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks (ESPN, 9pm)- Dan Shulman, Doris Burke

Thursday, March 5th

Dallas Mavericks at New Orleans Hornets (TNT, 8pm)- Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Mike Fratello, Cheryl Miller
Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets (TNT, 10:30pm)- Kevin Harlan, Doug Collins, Craig Sager

Friday, March 6th

Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics (ESPN, 8pm)- Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters
Denver Nuggets at Utah Jazz (ESPN, 10:30pm)- Kevin Calabro, Mark Jackson, Jon Barry

Saturday, March 7th

Washington Wizards at Dallas Mavericks (NBA TV, 8:30pm)- Bob Ortegel, Mark Followill

Sunday, March 8th

San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns (ABC, 3:30pm)- Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy
Philadelphia 76ers at Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA TV, 7pm)- Brian Davis, Grant Long

Here is your announcing schedule for the NBA this week....

Tuesday, February 17th

Fan Night Matchup: Atlanta Hawks at Los Angeles Lakers (NBA TV, 10:30pm)- Joel Meyers, Stu Lantz

Wednesday, February 18th

Orlando Magic at New Orleans Hornets (ESPN, 8pm)- Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown
Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors (ESPN, 10:30pm)- Dan Shulman, Mark Jackson

Thursday, February 19th

San Antonio Spurs at Detroit Pistons (TNT, 8pm)- Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Craig Sager
Boston Celtics at Utah Jazz (TNT, 10:30pm)- Kevin Harlan, Doug Collins, Cheryl Miller

Friday, February 20th

Dallas Mavericks at Houston Rockets (ESPN, 8pm)- Dan Shulman, Hubie Brown
New Orleans Hornets at Los Angeles Lakers (ESPN, 10:30pm)- Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy

Saturday, February 21st

New Orleans Hornets at Utah Jazz (NBA TV, 9pm)- Craig Bolerjack, Ron Boone

Sunday, February 22nd

Boston Celtics at Phoenix Suns (ABC, 2:30pm)- Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown
Miami Heat at Orlando Magic (ESPN, 5:30pm)- Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy
Detroit Pistons at Cleveland Cavaliers (ESPN, 8pm)- Dave Pasch, Doris Burke

I know I go overboard when it comes to Chris Mortensen, and I know that people hate Stephen A. Smith posts, but I just couldn't pass up this comparison on the heels of the Chris Bosh rumors. Stephen A. came out last week and said that Chris Bosh was telling the Raptors that he wasn't resigning with the team, and that Toronto was looking into trading the All-Star. Both Bosh and management said that the whole story was entirely made up and to not listen to the ESPN analyst, but Smith is fighting back the best way he can. By blogging about it!

In case anyone didn't comprehend what I reported first on ESPNews Sunday morning, then SportsCenter Monday night, let me be clear: My sources tell me Chris Bosh wants out of Toronto. Preferably before 2010, when he's free to opt out of his contract. They've also informed me Bosh has quietly made the Raptors aware of this, that he wouldn't mind interest from Miami or Dallas, at all, and that he's hopeful his days as a Raptor will come to an end sooner than when the LeBron James' Sweepstakes hits the fan in 2010.

Both Bosh and Raptors' President, Bryan Colangelo have emphatically denied Bosh has made the Raptors aware of anything. Feel free to believe them if you want to. And while you're at it, feel free to to conveniently forget that Damon Stoudamire, Marcus Camby, Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter all echoed similar sentiments before they skipped town, too.

I find it hard to believe that anyone working at an organization as large as ESPN, would be in the habit of making up stories, but I could be wrong. I also thought that the "Leader" was phasing out Screamin' A., but apparently they're keeping around for the controversy. As far as Bosh goes, you know he's leaving but he has to deny it because I'm sure he doesn't want the Vinsanity treatment when he returns.

Boshed (Stephen A. Smith)

Here is your announcing schedule for the NBA this week....

Monday, February 2nd

Portland Trail Blazers at New Orleans Hornets (NBATV, 8pm)- Bob Licht, Gil McGregor

Tuesday, February 3rd

Fan Night Matchup: San Antonio Spurs at Denver Nuggets (NBA TV, 9pm)- Chris Marlowe, Scott Hastings

Wednesday, February 4th

Portland Trail Blazers At Dallas Mavericks (NBA TV, 8:30pm)- Mark Followill, Bob Ortegel

Thursday, February 5th

LA Lakers at Boston Celtics (TNT, 8pm)- Marv Albert, Mike Fratello, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge
Dallas Mavericks at Utah Jazz (TNT, 10:30pm)- Kevin Harlan, Mike Fratello, Cheryl Miller

Friday, February 6th

Denver Nuggets at Washington Wizards (ESPN, 8pm)- Dave Pasch, Hubie Brown
Golden State Warriors vs Phoenix Suns (ESPN, 10:30pm)- Kevin Calabro, Mark Jackson

Saturday, February 7th

Denver Nuggets at New Jersey Nets (NBA TV, 7:30pm)- Marv Albert, Jim Spanarkel

Sunday, February 8th

San Antonio Spurs at Boston Celtics (ABC, 1pm)- Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown
LA Lakers at Cleveland Cavaliers (ABC, 3:30pm)- Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy
Phoenix Suns at Detroit Pistons (ESPN, 8pm)- Dave Pasch, Doris Burke

Here is your announcing schedule for the NBA this week....

Monday, January 26th

Phoenix Suns at Washington Wizards (NBATV, 7pm)- Steve Buckhantz, Phil Chenier

Tuesday, January 27th

Fan Night Matchup: Charlotte Bobcats at LA Lakers (NBA TV, 10:30pm)-Joel Meyers, Stu Lantz

Wednesday, January 28th

Golden State At Dallas Mavericks (ESPN, 9pm)- Dan Shulman, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy

Thursday, January 29th

Cleveland Cavaliers at Orlando Magic (TNT, 8pm)- Marv Albert, Mike Fratello, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge
San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns (TNT, 10:30pm)- Kevin Harlan, Doug Collins, Craig Sager

Friday, January 30th

Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons (ESPN, 7pm)- Mike Breen, Mark Jackson
Golden State Warriors at New Orleans Hornets (ESPN, 9:30pm)- Dan Shulman, Hubie Brown

Saturday, January 31st

Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat (NBA TV, 7:30pm)- Eric Reid, Tony Fiorentino

Sunday, February 1st

Cleveland Cavaliers at Detorit Pistons (ABC, 2:30pm)- Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy

Teams: Houston Rockets vs. Detroit Pistons
Location: The Palace at Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, MI
Start Time: 6:30 PM EST
Announcers and Network: Dan Shulman and Doris Burke, ESPN

Detroit is an interesting study because it's clear that the Allen Iverson Experiment isn't quite meshing the way they would like, and Houston is seeing its best production out of Yao Ming while dealing with Tracy McGrady's status as this generation's Grant Hill. I personally have a soft spot for Doris Burke as a color commentator, she never tries to talk over the action too much.

Teams: San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Location: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
Start Time: 3:30 PM EST
Announcers and Network: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson (ABC)

Same deal as earlier, this time with some high-powered Western Conference action. I had this debate with a buddy last night: if Andrew Bynum keeps powering his way to double-doubles on a consistent basis, there may not be a team that can compete with the Lake Show this year.
------------
Ridiculously even first half, aided along by an argument between Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy over All-Star reserves -- Van Gundy thinks Paul Millsap of the Utah Jazz should be an All-Star.

Generally, the games played between the Lakers and Spurs this year have not done anything to dissuade me from the fact that these are probably the two teams that should, pending the draws, meet in the Western Conference Finals.

The Lakers have opened up a lead thanks to good ball movement and stiffening up on the defensive end. They're not in the Celtics' league yet as a defensive team; they are still capable of missing rotations. Fix that and they're a sure title team.

It's not helping that Luke Walton just committed what appears to be a flagrant....wait, no, no flagrant.

I really, really don't care what Jeff Van Gundy thinks about the number of movie award shows. TALK ABOUT BASKETBALL PLZ KTHXBAI.

Again, how good does Mitch Kupchak look for not giving in to J-Kidd fervor last season?

JVG: "The Memphis Grizzlies are the worst organization in professional sports."

The city of Detroit would like to have a word with you, Mr. Van Gundy, and then Minneapolitans wouldn't mind talking to you after that too.

79-66, Lakers after three, and again with the "Hotel California." (I had a rough night, and I hate the fuckin' Eagles, man!) Bynum has a big quarter with 9 points alone there and a couple of blocks. San Antonio doesn't quite have the spark with its new back-ups this season. They're really going to lean on Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili -- more than usual.

4th Quarter

17 point lead after Gasol throws a sick pass over his head to Odom waiting for the easy lay-in. That's just wrong.

Trevor Ariza gets the throwdown. Massive jam for a guy who's been the glue guy -- plays good defense, hustles, is physical, gets the chip-in points.

The Lakers fundamentally changed when Bynum came back, not only because they had a more physical player at the 5, but because it moved Lamar Odom to sixth man, where he could rotate among several positions off the bench and play a second team leadership role.

Teams: Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics
Location: TD Banknorth Garden, Boston, MA
Start Time: 1:00 PM EST
Announcers and Network: Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown (ABC)

Maybe "open thread" is the wrong term. I'll be watching, and while this is by no means a live blog, I'll be chipping in some observations as we go, hopefully.

1st Quarter

Is there anyone left who doesn't think that the Jason Kidd trade was a bad idea? I see the rotations early, and one would think that Rick Carlisle would have found a good way to put Devin Harris to use.

Dirk is 0-7 so far, and Dallas is working way too hard, thanks to the Celtics' defense. On offense, Hubie's right -- it's pretty much lay-up and kick-out drills. Even Brian Scalabrine is hitting 3s.

Ray Allen drops another 3. I'm not sure if the Celtics have missed one yet.

Hubie Brown's a little terrifying in HD.

Rondo pops a nice jumper to end the quarter, 38-23, Cees.

2nd Quarter

Another defensive breakdown by the Mavs when Scalabrine finds Eddie House on the backside just before the shot clock expires. Lead is 12 after Dirk hits one.

Mark Cuban should take MattyIce's suggestion of an oxygen tank for Kidd. Yikes. Another score and it's a 14-point lead again.

Now this is just Maryland-like on the part of the Mavs. 25 point lead on the same basic lay-in or kick-out for long shot offensive principles for Boston. Another jumper for Rondo. Remember how everyone knocked him and said you had to keep him out of the lane? Now, if that jump shot's as consistent as it looks, he'll be just as feared as the Big 3 down the line.

The Mavs have no handle right now. The passes aren't crisp at all and it's no surprise that they're turning the ball over.

Another House 3. 31 point lead.

Lead's now 36. Lazy pass, steal, kick out to House -- 72-41. Man, screw this game. That's 10 first-half 3s for the Cees. Ridiculously efficient shooting. Probably still over 65% for the game. OK, now it's merely a 28 point lead again.

It should never be surprising if a woman beats a man at anything, but it should be even less surprising if that woman is challenging, Jeff Van Gundy. The ESPN analyst decided to challenge the Spurs' training facility known as the hill, and more specifically sideline reporter Nancy Lieberman, and was destroyed on the uphill climb. Of course ESPN decided to highlight it during the Lakers-Spurs game last night....

I'm with Mark Jackson on this one. The fake punch at the end, to display a fake sense of disgust, was just too obvious in that clip. The most surprising thing about that whole video is that we learned Jeff Van Gundy has a "trainer". Really? I think you should have probably fired him months before that clip.

Monday, January 12th

Toronto Raptors at Boston Celtics (NBATV, 7:30pm)- Mike Gorman, Tom Heinsohn

Tuesday, January 13th

Fan Night Matchup: LA Lakers at Houston Rockets (NBA TV, 8:30pm)- Bill Worrell, Clyde Drexler

Wednesday, January 14th

LA Lakers at San Antonio Spurs (ESPN, 9pm)- Mike Tirico, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy

Thursday, January 15th

Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls (TNT, 8pm)- Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Craig Sager
Phoenix Suns at Denver Nuggets (TNT, 10:30pm)- Kevin Harlan, Doug Collins, Cheryl Miller

Friday, January 16th

New Orleans Hornets at Cleveland Cavaliers (ESPN, 8pm)- TBD
Orlando Magic at LA Lakers (ESPN, 10:30pm)- TBD

Saturday, January 17th

Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks (NBA TV, 7:30pm)- Mike Breen, Walt Frazier

Sunday, January 18th

Miami Heat at Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA TV, 7pm)- Brian Davis, Grant Long

I figured since most of you wouldn't be staying up until almost midnight, checking out Dickie V's trip to the NBA, that I would pull some of the more entertaining clips for you. Here is your Heat-Nugs/Dickie V game in just 5 minutes and 30 seconds!

While I thought the swap was cheesy on the surface, both teams did a pretty solid job. The simple fact that the crews had to prepare more than they normally would showed, and Dick Vitale actually had something to talk about other than Duke and UNC (I kid....well, not really). I still don't see what the point of a College announcer heading to the Pros would be, but the NBA guys could gain some knowledge by doing both contests. Just look at the job Dan Shulman is doing calling both. Plus, neither Mark Jackson or Jeff Van Gundy had ever been to Cameron Indoor! How is that even possible, as much as they've been around the Sport?

All in all, it was a fun thing to do for a night, but I wouldn't make a habit of it. For Dickie V to call an a game in the league he first broke into broadcasting, before he retires, isn't a bad thing at all. And that retirement could be coming sooner than we all think.

Everybody seems to love this Dickie V to the NBA idea, especially ESPN, so let's take a little look back at a more subdued Dickie V calling a Celtics-Bucks playoff game in 1984....



I still contend that this is a bad idea, but if it gets people to watch the NBA, you can't really fault ESPN for the stunt. I'm personally more interested in the NBA team of Breen, Jackson and JVG calling the NCAA game tonight, but I'll be checking out both and commenting on them tomorrow.

It's yet another Cavs/Celtics kinda week in the NBA. Here are your National TV games for the week....

Monday, December 8th

Houston Rockets at Memphis Grizzlies (NBATV, 8pm)- Pete Pranica, Sean Tuohy

Tuesday, December 9th

Fan Night Matchup: Toronto Raptors at Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA TV, 7pm)- Fred McLeod, Austin Carr

Wednesday, December 10th

Cleveland Cavaliers at Philadelphia 76ers (ESPN, 8pm)- Dan Shulman, Hubie Brown
Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers (ESPN, 10:30pm)- Dave Pasch, Mark Jackson

Thursday, December 11th

Boston Celtics at Washington Wizards (TNT, 8pm)- Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Mike Fratello and Cheryl Miller
Portland Trail Blazers at Utah Jazz (TNT, 10:30pm)- Kevin Harlan, Doug Collins and Craig Sager

Friday, December 12th

New Orleans Hornets at Boston Celtics (ESPN, 8pm)- Dan Shulman, Hubie Brown
Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors (ESPN, 10:30pm)- Mike Breen, Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy

Saturday, December 13th

New York Knicks at Sacramento Kings (NBA TV, 10pm)- Grant Napear, Jerry Reynolds

Here's your NBA announcing schedule for this week, and there seems to be a pattern developing here. The Lakers win yet another NBA TV Fan Night and will be on Tuesday and the Pistons and Celtics are playing for what seems like the tenth time this season. We also get the Bulls and Rockets three times each this week. The reason for the Mark Cuban picture? Not only are the Mavs playing on Tuesday night, but Cuban just got charged with insider trading by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Here are the rest of your games for the week....

Monday, November 17th

San Antonio Spurs at LA Clippers (NBATV, 10:30pm)- Local Announcers

Tuesday, November 18th

Fan Night Matchup: Chicago Bulls at LA Lakers (NBA TV, 10:30pm)- Local Announcers

Wednesday, November 19th

Dallas Mavericks at Houston Rockets (ESPN, 8pm)- Dave Pasch, Jeff Van Gundy
Chicago Bulls at Portland Trail Blazers (ESPN, 10:30pm)- Mark Jones, Jon Barry

Thursday, November 20th

Detroit Pistons at Boston Celtics (TNT, 8pm)- Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Mike Fratello and David Aldridge
LA Lakers at Phoenix Suns (TNT, 10:30pm)- Kevin Harlan, Doug Collins and Craig Sager

Friday, November 21st

Houston Rockets at Washington Wizards (ESPN, 7pm)- Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy
New Orleans Hornets at Oklahoma City Thunder (ESPN, 9:30pm)- Kevin Calabro, Hubie Brown

Saturday, November 22nd

Houston Rockets at Orlando Magic (NBA TV, 7pm)- Local Announcers

Sunday, November 23rd

Chicago Bulls at Denver Nuggets (NBA TV, 8pm)- Local Announcers

Man, is it me or did NBA's offseason just fly by? Well whether you think so or not, it's starting next Tuesday, and ESPN kicks off their coverage the next day with a doubleheader featuring Phoenix at San Antonio and the L.A. Lakers at the L.A. Clippers. Since there have been a ton of new additions to both the booth and studio, I thought I'd give you a quick preview of what the network has going on for this upcoming season.

NBA coverage on ESPN/ABC is just about as wacky as it gets. There are about forty or so people employed by the network, and they are placed throughout various programs on random nights of the week. The ABC side of things is the most stable, but since they started covering the NBA, the channel has gone through about ten different studio team combinations. This year will be no different as the trio of Stuart Scott, Mike Wilbon and Jon Barry (one of the most random studio teams ever assembled) will be adding Magic Johnson. I honestly didn't think that ESPN/ABC could make that studio show worse, but they've certainly tried their best this offseason.

The booths for both ESPN and ABC will be staying pretty much the same as last season. Mike Breen, Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy while be your A-team still, and while the three make an above average team, they still have the tendency to get distracted and fly off on random tangents in certain games. Some of Van Gundy's theories and antics are humorous, they get old when it's under two minutes in a close game, and Mark Jackson's surly attitude becomes draining throughout the season. If they stick to the action on the court they're fine, but that's not always the case. The backup team of Mike Tirico and Hubie Brown also stays the same, but occasionally Dan Shulman will be on a call and work with either Brown or Doris Burke. Additionally you may see Dave Pasch, Mark Jones or new hire Kevin Calabro in some spots. Confused yet? Well we're just getting started.

As far as the ESPN side of things, here's where it gets tricky. The studio show, KIA NBA Shootaround, has just about the arbitrary set of hosts and airtimes that I've ever seen. Stuart Scott is usually the host, but you could also see John Saunders, Mark Jones, or Matt Winer in the role. Add to that the list of analysts which includes: Jamal Mashburn, Jon Barry, Bill Walton, Allan Houston (as soon as he retires again), Jalen Rose, Chris Broussard, Tim Legler, Ric Bucher, Doris Burke, Jackie MacMullan, Heather Cox, Nancy Lieberman, Lisa Salters and Avery Johnson.....and you have approximately twenty people to do a job that can be done by four.

If you ADD TO THAT, two more studio shows in NBA Fastbreak and NBA Coast to Coast, it's almost possible to keep track of things. The network also lost one of their better color guys, Greg Anthony, in the offseason to CBS College Basketball. So that's not helping things either. All in all, ESPN's coverage is just about as tough to follow as this post, so here's my attempt to alleviate that confusion and just give you the "NBA on ESPN/ABC Depth Chart". Just randomly pick any combination of these folks and that's who you could get on any given night....

Play by Players: Mike Breen, Mike Tirico, Mark Jones, Dan Shulman, Kevin Calabro and Dave Pasch
Color Commentators: Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy, Hubie Brown, Jon Barry and Doris Burke
Sideline Reporters: Ric Bucher, Doris Burke, Heather Cox, Nancy Lieberman and Lisa Salters
Studio Hosts: Stuart Scott, John Saunders, Matt Winer and Mark Jones
Studio Analysts: Jon Barry, Michael Wilbon, Magic Johnson, Avery Johnson, Bill Walton, Jalen Rose, Tim Legler and Jamal Masburn
Reporters: Chris Broussard, Marc Stein, Ric Bucher, Jackie MacMullen and John Hollinger
ESPN Radio: Jim Durham, Kevin Calabro, Will Perdue and Dr. Jack Ramsey

As I see it, that's over 30 people to cover one Sport on a network! Just amazing!!! Now that we've got that out of the way.....here's your ESPN NBA Announcing Schedule for next week (I'm going to go take a nap because my head hurts)....

Wed., Oct. 29

Kia NBA Shootaround (ESPN, 7pm)- Stuart Scott, Avery Johnson
Phoenix at San Antonio (ESPN, 8pm)- Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy
L.A. Lakers at L.A. Clippers (ESPN, 10:30pm)- Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown

Fri., Oct. 31

Kia NBA Shootaround (ESPN, 7:30pm)- Stuart Scott, Avery Johnson
Chicago at Boston (ESPN, 8pm)- Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy
San Antonio at Portland (ESPN, 10:30pm)- Kevin Calabro, Jon Barry

Magic Johnson has been a TV free agent for quite awhile now. He had been showing up on TNT from time to time, but the ex-NBAer never really had an official deal. Until now. ESPN/ABC announced during a conference call this morning that Magic Johnson will be the newest member of their studio team. Via ESPN....

Earvin “Magic” Johnson has joined ESPN as an NBA studio analyst and will mainly work with Stuart Scott, Mike Wilbon and Jon Barry on ABC's GMC NBA Countdown. He will provide analysis on Christmas Day – when ABC and ESPN combine to showcase an NBA tripleheader (beginning at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN) – and contribute to the networks' post-season studio coverage. The announcement was made by Norby Williamson, executive vice president, production.

“Magic has always been one of the most accomplished people in every field he has endeavored. He was an incomparable player and has become one of the best NBA analysts in the business. His unique insights, perspective and personality will be the perfect complement to Stuart (Scott), Mike (Wilbon) and Jon (Barry),” said Williamson.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the ESPN family. I look forward to working with a great team and covering all the big NBA events,” said Johnson. “Christmas Day can’t come soon enough for me.”

I don't really know how many people out there are a fan of Magic's studio work, and the hiring comes at a really weird time, but he might actually work with ABC's studio team. NBA Countdown is the only show where I can stand Stuart Scott and Wilbon and Barry can only help the guy improve.

The network also extended the contract of Jeff Van Gundy today in conjunction with the Magic announcement.

How's this for random? Mike Golic is off this Friday so Greenberg has decided to fill his very large shoes with the NBA Finals MVP. Paul Pierce will be the in-studio fill in for the big guy and he'll be bringing along some special call-in guests....

Paul Pierce of the World Champion Boston Celtics will be a guest host on ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike in the Morning (6-10 a.m. ET M-F) on Friday, Aug. 15. Pierce will fill in for Mike Golic, joining regular co-host Mike Greenberg, in ESPN Radio’s Bristol, Conn. studios. While all sports topics will be covered, special call-in guests will include Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck (7:40 a.m.), head coach Doc Rivers (8:10 a.m.), and GM Danny Ainge (9:40 a.m.).

There are various co-hosts on the show all the time, but usually they're from the Radio World. It'll be refreshing to see/hear an athlete on the show that isn't trying to hock a product or some cheesy event (*ahem*DeionSanders*ahem*). I'm honestly surprised they haven't tried this more often, and if it goes well look for it more in the coming months. Presumably with members of ESPN's favorite teams the Yankees, Red Sox and Patriots, but more none-the-less.

(Via ESPN)

ESPN and ABC have a whopping total of 90 games (72- ESPN, 18- ABC) starting on October 29th at 8 pm with the Suns and Spurs. The big winner for the ESPN lottery this year is the Boston Celtics which received the max number of games allowed on both networks with sixteen appearance. The Lakers, Cavs, Suns and Spurs each have fifteen and the Mavs are alone in fifth place with fourteen.

Other highlights include: The Hornets getting 12 games (great decision there), A Christmas Day doubleheader featuring San Antonio at Phoenix and Boston at the L.A. Lakers, A Doubleheader on Friday, Oct. 31 that features the debuts of Derrick Rose and Greg Oden, and a Rose-Michael Beasley matchup on Friday, Dec 26th.

Here's the schedule....all games are on ESPN unless otherwise noted....
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Wed., Oct. 29

Phoenix at San Antonio (8pm)
L.A. Lakers at L.A. Clippers (10:30pm)

Fri., Oct. 31

Chicago at Boston (8pm)
San Antonio at Portland (10:30pm)

Wed., Nov. 5

Chicago at Cleveland (8pm)
Denver at Golden State (10:30pm)

Fri., Nov. 7

Miami at San Antonio (8pm)
Dallas at Denver (10:30pm)

Wed., Nov. 12

Utah at Washington (8pm)
Houston at Phoenix (10:30pm)

Fri., Nov. 14

Denver at Boston (8pm)
Detroit at L.A. Lakers (10:30pm)

Wed., Nov. 19

Dallas at Houston (8pm)
Chicago at Portland (10:30pm)

Fri., Nov. 21

Houston at Washington (7pm)
New Orleans at Oklahoma City (9:30pm)

Wed., Nov. 26

Orlando at Philadelphia (7:30pm)

Fri., Nov. 28

Miami at Phoenix (8pm)
Dallas at L.A. Lakers (10:30pm)

Fri., Dec. 5

Portland at Boston (8pm)
Toronto at Utah (10:30pm)

Wed., Dec. 10

Cleveland at Philadelphia (8pm)
Phoenix at L.A. Lakers (10:30pm)

Fri., Dec. 12

New Orleans at Boston (8pm)
Houston at Golden State (10:30pm)

Wed., Dec. 17

Boston at Atlanta (7pm)
San Antonio at New Orleans (9:30pm)

Fri., Dec. 19

L.A. Lakers at Miami (8pm)
Cleveland at Denver (10:30pm)

Thu., Dec. 25

New Orleans at Orlando (Noon)
San Antonio at Phoenix (ABC, 2:30pm)
Boston at L.A. Lakers (ABC, 5:15pm)

Fri., Dec. 26

Chicago at Miami (5pm)

Wed., Jan. 7

Miami at Denver (9pm)

Fri., Jan. 9

Boston at Cleveland (8pm)
Dallas at Phoenix (10:30pm)

Wed., Jan. 14

L.A. Lakers at San Antonio (9pm)

Fri., Jan. 16

New Orleans at Cleveland (8pm)
Orlando at L.A. Lakers (10:30pm)

Fri., Jan. 23

Dallas at Detroit (7pm)

Sun., Jan. 25

Dallas at Boston (ABC, 1pm)
San Antonio at L.A. Lakers (ABC, 3:30pm)
Houston at Detroit (6:30pm)

Wed., Jan. 28

Golden State at Dallas (9pm)

Fri., Jan. 30

Boston at Detroit (7pm)
Golden State at New Orleans (9:30pm)

Sun., Feb. 1

Cleveland at Detroit (ABC, 2:30pm)

Fri., Feb. 6

Denver at Washington (8pm)
Golden State at Phoenix (10:30pm)

Sun., Feb. 8

San Antonio at Boston (ABC, 1pm)
L.A. Lakers at Cleveland (ABC, 3:30pm)
Phoenix at Detroit (8pm)

Wed., Feb. 18

Denver at Philadelphia (8pm)
L.A. Lakers at Golden State (10:30pm)

Fri., Feb. 20

Washington at New Jersey (8pm)
New Orleans at L.A. Lakers (10:30pm)

Sun., Feb. 22

Boston at Phoenix (ABC, 2:30pm)
Miami at Orlando (5:30pm)
Detroit at Cleveland (8pm)

Fri., Feb. 27

Milwaukee at New Orleans (7pm)
Cleveland at San Antonio (9:30pm)

Sun., March 1

Detroit at Boston (ABC, 1pm)
L.A. Lakers at Phoenix (ABC, 3:30pm)
San Antonio at Portland (8pm)

Wed., March 4

San Antonio at Dallas (9pm)

Fri., March 6

Cleveland at Boston (8pm)
Denver at Utah (10:30pm)

Sun., March 8

Phoenix at San Antonio (ABC, 3:30pm)

Sun., March 15

Dallas at L.A. Lakers (ABC, 3:30pm)
Phoenix at Golden State (9pm)

Wed., March 18

Miami at Boston (7pm)
Detroit at Houston (9:30pm)

Sun., March 22

Houston at San Antonio –or– Miami at Detroit [game selection is TBD] (ABC, 1pm)

Wed., March 25

Boston at Orlando (8pm)
Utah at Phoenix (10:30pm)

Sun., March 29

Dallas at Cleveland (ABC, 1pm)
San Antonio at New Orleans (8pm)

Wed., April 1

Houston at Phoenix (10pm)

Fri., April 3

Cleveland at Orlando (8pm)
Houston at L.A. Lakers (10:30pm)

Sat., April 4

Detroit at Philadelphia (3pm)

Sun., April 5

San Antonio at Cleveland (ABC, 1pm)
Phoenix at Dallas (ABC, 3:30pm)

Wed., April 8

Washington at Cleveland (7pm)
Utah at Dallas (9:30pm)

Fri., April 10

Washington at Toronto (ESPN2, 8pm)

Sun., April 12

Dallas at New Orleans (ABC, 1pm)
Boston at Cleveland (ABC, 3:30pm)

Fri., April 15

Houston at Dallas (8pm)
Denver at Portland (10:30pm)

(TNT's 2008-2009 Regular Season Schedule)