Veteran ESPN sideline reporter Lisa Salters was noticeably absent from Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night, leaving fans wondering about the reason behind her unexpected absence.
While ESPN initially cited a personal matter, fellow broadcaster Mike Breen later revealed that Salters was tending to her mother’s serious health issues, prompting an outpouring of support from colleagues and fans alike.
During the third quarter of the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, Breen took a moment to acknowledge Salters and her situation.
“Lisa’s mom has been dealing with some serious health issues for a while now,” Breen said. “Although we’ve never met her mom, we owe her a debt of gratitude for giving us the gift of Lisa Salters, who is the teammate everyone in our business should strive to have.”
Mike Breen: “[Lisa Salters’] mom has been dealing with some serious health issues for a while now… Although we’ve never met her mom, we owe her a debt of gratitude for giving us the gift of Lisa Salters, who is the teammate everyone in our business should strive to have.” 🎙️❤️ pic.twitter.com/7YJHlKfiwh
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 9, 2025
Salters has been a fixture in ESPN’s NBA and NFL coverage for over two decades, earning respect for her insightful reporting and professionalism. She has covered multiple NBA Finals, bringing fans closer to the action with her courtside interviews and analysis. Her absence was felt during Game 2, but her colleagues made sure to honor her contributions.
As of now, it remains unclear whether Salters will return for Game 3 on Wednesday night. ESPN has tapped Jorge Sedano to fill in for her on the sidelines, ensuring continuity in the broadcast. Regardless of her return date, the NBA community continues to rally around Salters, hoping for the best for her and her family.
