One day after HC Stephanie White missing clash against Sky, partner Lisa Salters also takes personal time from NBA Finals

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@@paulsen_smw

Jorge Sedano on NBA Finals sideline tonight instead of Lisa Salters

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The Front Office Sports reporter Ryan Glasspiegel later posted ESPN's statement regarding Salters' absence.

"ESPN statement to @fos,"

"Lisa is attending to a personal matter. We send her our best."

Ryan Glasspiegel

@@sportsrapport

ESPN statement to @fos

"Lisa is attending to a personal matter. We send her our best."

According to Front Office Sports, ESPN's sideline reporter Jorge Sedano, who does radio coverage for the NBA Finals, will fill in for Salters. Moreover, Vanessa Richardson will temporarily take Sedano's place on the radio.

Previously, Stephanie White, Indiana Fever's head coach and Salters' partner, was also absent from the Fever vs. Chicago Sky game on Saturday. According to Fever reporter Chloe Peterson, White was away from the team citing "personal reasons." Austin Kelly replaced White for the contest.

Despite White's absence, the Indiana Fever once again dominated the Chicago Sky. After a 93-58 win against the Sky in the season-opener, the Fever registered a 52-79 win on Saturday. Kelsey Mitchel led the Fever with 17 points. None of the Sky players scored in double digits.

Doris Burke's future with ESPN in question after 2024-25 NBA Finals

It was hard to imagine that any roster could replace Jeff Van Gundy, Mike Breen and Mark Jackson when it came to calling the much-hyped-up NBA Finals. However, the new roster with Richard Jefferson, Doris Burke with Mike Breen has been a successful one.

According to The Athletic's Andrew Marchand, the broadcast company is expected to change its mind once again ahead of the upcoming season. Marchand reported that ESPN could cut Burke and move ahead with only Jefferson and Breen to call the Finals.

"Burke’s spot is not guaranteed for next season ..." Marchand wrote. "While Breen, the Basketball Hall of Famer under a long-term deal, is not going anywhere, ESPN will evaluate its entire roster."

"ESPN executives will debate what is next, with one discussion likely centering around if they feel Burke is better on a two-person team as opposed to the three-person team," Marchand added."

Doris Burke is a historical figure in the NBA. She has been with ESPN since 1991 and has been an inspiration for many female journalists who make up a big part of ESPN's game coverage. She has been calling the NBA Finals for ESPN since last season, when the broadcast company laid off Jackson and Gundy.

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About the author

Nandjee Ranjan

Nandjee Ranjan is a journalist covering the NBA and WNBA at Sportskeeda whose passion for basketball dates back to his childhood when he enjoyed playing the sport in school.

Nandjee finds his heart divided between two NBA powerhouses: the LA Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. He idolizes LeBron James and his leadership, while he appreciates the Warriors' dynamic and team-oriented style of play.
Basketball, for Nandjee, isn't just a sport but a holistic approach to fitness and well-being. He's been drawn to team sports, finding fulfillment in the physical engagement basketball offers.

With years of following basketball, Nandjee contextualizes historical events and player performances. He believes in conducting thorough research before writing, only taking information from reliable sources. He doesn’t mind taking more time to write an articles, as long as it is 100% accurate for his readers’ benefit.

During his leisure hours, Nandjee finds relaxation by reading books.

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