ESPN will debut SportsCenter with Stephen A. Smith on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. ET. The 30-minute show, hosted by Smith, will serve as the pregame telecast for Wednesday NBA games on ESPN that begin at 7:30 p.m. The show will air throughout the regular season and during the NBA Playoffs.
The debut episode of SportsCenter with Stephen A. Smith will lead into ESPN’s first NBA game of the regular season: the Boston Celtics vs. the Philadelphia 76ers. Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson and ESPN commentator Michael Wilbon will join Smith for the debut episode. Additionally, ESPN Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski will contribute reports and commentary to the show. The first show will include special content on 76ers star Ben Simmons.
SportsCenter host Scott Van Pelt will host ESPN’s NBA halftime coverage on Wednesdays every week starting on Oct. 30. SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt will continue to air immediately following ESPN NBA Wednesday doubleheaders. Rachel Nichols will lead halftime coverage on Oct. 23.
The first episode of SportsCenter with Stephen A. Smith will emanate from ESPN’s Los Angeles Production Center, followed by several on-site, courtside telecasts.
SportsCenter with Stephen A. Smith early season schedule: