TNT’s lead NBA analyst will miss the first round of the playoffs. In other news, Dave Strader is returning to the broadcast booth for some first round games, and NBC’s NASCAR host is adding horse racing duties.
Webber to Miss First Round For Birth of Child
- TNT NBA analyst Chris Webber will miss the first round of the NBA Playoffs as his wife is soon to give birth, Sports Illustrated writer Richard Deitsch reported on Twitter Thursday. Webber also missed much of last year’s first round due to a back injury. In his absence, Brent Barry will work alongside Marv Albert on first round games. (Richard Deitsch/Twitter 4.13)
Strader to Work First Round Games
- NHL play-by-play voice Dave Strader, who has missed most of the season as he battles cancer, will work Games 1 and 2 of the Maple Leafs-Capitals Stanley Cup playoff series on NBC. Strader called five games in the regular season during a break in his treatment, including one on NBC, and says he feels strong enough to work this weekend. (Dave Strader/Twitter 4.10)
Voda to Cover Derby Week For NBCSN
- NBC NASCAR host Krista Voda will anchor coverage of Kentucky Derby week on NBCSN next month, marking her return to a event she covered for NBC’s Lexington, KY, affiliate from 1998-2002. Voda, who joined NBC to cover NASCAR in 2015, worked her first horse racing event for the network at last week’s Santa Anita Derby. (NBC Sports Group Press Box 4.13)
