NBA Countdown – ABC’s and ESPN’s NBA pregame studio show – returns for the 2014-15 NBA season, beginning this preseason and will extend through the NBA Finals in June. Sage Steele, in her second season as host, will be joined by returning analysts Jalen Rose and Doug Collins for Friday shows on ESPN and Sunday shows, generally on ABC.
Steele, Rose and Collins will make their debut this preseason on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 7:30 p.m. ET, preceding ESPN’s NBA preseason doubleheader. The trio will then make its regular-season debut on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. for a one-hour show leading into ESPN’s opening night games. The Oct. 29 edition of NBA Countdown will include a live performance by International recording artist Aloe Blacc. Steele, Rose and Collins will resume their regular Friday schedule on Oct. 31 and regular Sunday schedule after Christmas Day.
NBA Countdown on Wednesdays
Regular Wednesday editions of NBA Countdown on ESPN will begin on Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. The trio of ESPN NBA Insider Doris Burke and analysts Jalen Rose and Avery Johnson will return for its second season together.
NBA Countdown in Miami on Christmas Day
For the first time, NBA Countdown will travel for on-site pregame and halftime shows during ABC’s and ESPN’s NBA Christmas Day schedule. Steele, Rose and Collins will appear on set at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Fla. for Countdown at 2 p.m. ABC will exclusively broadcast LeBron James’ return to Miami as the Heat host the Cleveland Cavaliers at 5 p.m.
@ESPNNBA preseason doubleheader
ESPN will televise an NBA preseason doubleheader on Wednesday, Oct. 22, beginning at 8 p.m. when the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James visit the Memphis Grizzlies and Zach Randolph. In the nightcap, the Phoenix Suns and Eric Bledsoe visit the Los Angeles Clippers and Chris Paul.
@ESPNNBA opening night coverage
ESPN’s regular-season NBA game coverage tips off on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. when the Chicago Bulls and the returning Derrick Rose visit the New York Knicks and Carmelo Anthony. At 10:30 p.m., the Oklahoma City Thunder and Russell Westbrook visit the Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard. Full schedule details are available on ESPN Media Zone.