Mike Tirico Returns to NBA with Play-by-Play Duties Tonight

STAMFORD, Conn. – March 3, 2025 – Mike Tirico is set to make his return to NBA broadcasting this week as he steps in to call two games for NBC Sports Regional Networks. He will serve as the play-by-play announcer for the Philadelphia 76ers‘ game against the Portland Trail Blazers tonight at 7 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Philadelphia, followed by the match between the Trail Blazers and the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, March 5, at 7 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Boston.

This marks Tirico’s first time calling NBA games since May 8, 2016. During that game, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers triumphed over the Atlanta Hawks 100-99 to secure their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.

“What a fun opportunity to get a little run in before we get started next fall,” Tirico said. “I am thrilled to get back in the building and call a couple of games while working with our talented regional teams in Philadelphia and Boston. Sincere thanks to my friends Kate Scott and Drew Carter for letting me sit in their chair for an evening.”

During tonight’s game, Tirico will be joined by NBC Sports Philadelphia analyst Alaa Abdelnaby and reporter Taryn Hatcher, along with Kate Scott for pre-game coverage. The following evening, he will partner with NBC Sports Boston’s Brian Scalabrine, a 2008 NBA champion, and reporter Abby Chin.

In January, NBC Sports announced Tirico’s role as the lead play-by-play voice for the upcoming NBA season, which will commence in October 2025. Tirico’s extensive NBA experience includes calling approximately 375 regular-season and playoff games for ESPN and ABC between 2002 and 2016.

“I just wanted to have the opportunity to do a few games this year, not just to get the rust off, but to refamiliarize myself with the league,” Tirico stated. “Since February 1, other than some Olympic work, I’ve been really honing in on the NBA to get back up to speed.”

This week’s games also provide Tirico with a unique chance to experience local broadcasts. “It’s my first chance to say ‘We’ on the air and get away with it,” he noted, appreciating the connection that local broadcasters have with their teams and fans.

In addition to Tirico’s return, NBC Sports has made enhancements to its NBA coverage lineup, including the addition of new game analysts and a coordinating producer announced last year.

Starting with the 2025-26 season, NBCUniversal and the NBA will broadcast games across various platforms under an 11-year agreement. This includes exclusive coverage on Peacock and NBC, with a special Sunday Night Basketball series planned for the 2026 season.