Overview
- Jay Bilas was assigned to Michael Malone's slot Monday, according to multiple reports, and will call at least three or four first-round games.
- Malone left ESPN last week for a reported six-year, $50 million deal to lead North Carolina's men's basketball program.
- ESPN's playoff lineup lists Mike Breen with Tim Legler, Richard Jefferson and Lisa Salters as the top crew, Dave Pasch with Doris Burke as the second team, and Ryan Ruocco paired with Bilas as the third.
- For the first time under a licensing deal with TNT Sports, ESPN will use Inside the NBA as its primary studio show during the postseason.
- Lisa Salters and Malika Andrews are set as sideline reporters, and ESPN is expected to share fuller coverage assignments later this week.