ESPN is bringing its alternate presentation of the NBA back for the playoffs. NBA in Stephen A’s World has five episodes scheduled for the postseason, beginning with Wednesday’s play-in game between the Chicago Bulls and the Toronto Raptors.
NBA in Stephen A’s World is a joint production of ESPN, Omaha Productions, and Stephen A. Smith’s Mr. SAS Productions. During the broadcast, Smith is joined by a variety of guests to comment on the action. Viewers can participate as well through several interactive features.
“NBA in Stephen A’s World has proven to be must-see TV – like always when it involves Stephen,” Dave Roberts, ESPN’s Head of NBA and Studio Production, said in a press release. “When you watch Stephen take in an NBA game in a living room-like setting, his deep passion for the sport is evident. We’re looking forward to a fun, five-episode run during what is expected to be an exciting, unpredictable NBA Playoffs.”
Stephen A. Smith and his guests don’t always stick to basketball on the broadcast. The first edition featured commentary from the red carpet of the world premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
No guests have been announced for Wednesday’s show. The full schedule of NBA in Stephen A’s World episodes for the playoffs is as follows:
| Date | Time (ET) | Event | Platforms |
| Wed, Apr. 12 | 7 p.m. | AT&T NBA Play-In Tournament: Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors | ESPN2, ESPN+, ESPN App |
| Sat, Apr. 15 | 1 p.m. | NBA Playoffs First Round, Game 1: Brooklyn Nets vs. Philadelphia 76ers | ESPN2, ESPN+, ESPN App |
| Fri, May 5 | 10 p.m. | NBA Playoffs: Second Round, Game 3 | ESPN2, ESPN+, ESPN App |
| Tue, May 16 | 9 p.m. | Western Conference Finals Game 1 | ESPN2, ESPN+, ESPN App |
| Thu, June 1 | 9 p.m. | NBA Finals Game 1 | ESPN2, ESPN App |
