NBA

Where is Mike Breen? Why ESPN's Mark Jones is calling Celtics vs. Heat Game 7 instead

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Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy, Mike Breen

Tonight's Game 7 will go out without a bang.

Lead ABC basketball play-by-play commentator Mike Breen has been sidelined for the series decider as he recoups from a positive COVID-19 test.

The New York Posts's Andrew Marchand was first to report the news, citing an ESPN spokesperson:

MORE: Biggest keys to Game 7 between Celtics and Heat

Breen has been a stalwart of the Disney family's NBA coverage since 2006, replacing Al Michaels.

Here's the latest on Breen and his potential return to the court:

Where is Mike Breen?

The Hall of Fame NBA play-by-play voice will be missing Game 7 after testing positive for COVID-19. NY Post's Andrew Marchand reports that Breen, though, feels fine and the current hope is for him to be available for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, which is set to begin Thursday.

Who is Mark Jones?

Mark Jones is a familiar voice on ESPN/ABC, so hearing his voice calling Sunday's game won't be unfamiliar. This season, Jones was the lead play by play announcer on ABC's NBA Sunday Showcase with Hubie Brown providing analysis. 

Jones, like Breen, has a primary gig, as well. He is the TV play-by-play announcer for the Sacramento Kings, a role he assumed in 2020.

On March 11, 2022, ESPN announced a multi-year extension for Jones.

Jones has been calling the Celtics-Heat series on the radio.

Marc Kestecher will assume Jones' duties on the national radio broadcast alongside Doris Burke.

Author(s)
Joe Rivera Photo

Joe Rivera is a senior content producer at The Sporting News and teaches Multimedia Sports Reporting at his alma mater, Rutgers University.