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Like your basketball games with a side of irreverence? NBA TV will broadcast Tuesday’s Portland Trail Blazers game against San Antonio Spurs with a twist: commentary by The Starters, hosts of an eponymous daily basketball and entertainment show.
The show, which features J.E. Skeets, Tas Melas, Trey Kerby and Leigh Ellis, began more than ten years ago as a basketball-themed podcast called The Basketball Jones out of Toronto, Canada. In 2013 they moved to NBA TV with a half hour daily show as well as a weekly Twitter-only recap of the week’s events called The Drop.
The Starters are Las Vegas Summer League staple, broadcasting live from the Thomas and Mack center at the conclusion of each day. The shows typically include highlights, news, comedy bits such as “the pun gun” and interviews with players and coaches.
This will be the first time they call a live game and they are asking for fan suggestions.
We somehow convinced @NBATV to let us call a game tomorrow — @spurs / @trailblazers at 4 p.m. ET.
— J.E. Skeets (@jeskeets) July 9, 2018
What would you like to see/hear on the broadcast? Pun gun fun? Pocket dogs? @LeighEllis to sneak onto the court and shoot a 3?
All suggestions welcome. #TheStarters