Where is Lisa Salters? Why ESPN sideline reporter isn't on NBA Finals broadcast for Game 2

Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals was an instant classic, with Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers doing what they do best and storming back to knock off the favored Thunder. All eyes are on Oklahoma City for Game 2 on Sunday, but one key member of ESPN's broadcast team isn't there.

ESPN sideline reporter Lisa Salters won't be on the Game 2 broadcast at the Paycom Center. Jorge Sedano will instead take her place, talking to coaches and players as the Thunder try to even up the series.

ESPN, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back as well after receiving some criticism for its coverage of Game 1. Mike Breen responded to criticism for not labeling Haliburton's game-winning shot with a signature "bang!" while the network's overall presentation of the game came under fire for not doing enough to distinguish the Finals from an ordinary regular season game.

Here's what you need to know about Salters' absence and her replacement.

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Where is Lisa Salters?

Salters is missing Game 2 of the NBA Finals due to a "personal matter," The Athletic's Andrew Marchand reported Sunday.

Jorge Sedano in for Lisa Salters tonight on NBA Finals sideline. Salters is dealing with a personal matter.

Salters' partner, Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White, missed her team's game against the Sky on Saturday due to personal reasons, as well. While the Fever didn't disclose what exactly White is dealing with, forward DeWanna Bonner told reporters that the coach was "going through a tough time with her family right now."

It's unclear when Salters is planning to return to work, but the series schedule includes another two off days between Games 2 and 3. The series won't pick up again after Game 2 until Wednesday night in Indianapolis. 

MORE: 5 wildest stats from Pacers' Game 1 comeback vs. Thunder

Who is Jorge Sedano?

ESPN is turning to Jorge Sedano as Salters' replacement for Game 2. 

Sedano joined ESPN as a radio host in 2013 and currently co-hosts a daily ESPNLA radio show on weekdays. He also serves as a sideline reporter for ESPN's NBA coverage throughout the season and serves as an on-air contributor for some of the network's daily shows. 

Before joining ESPN, Sedano served as a radio host at various networks covering Miami sports.

Sedano will hope to chronicle the same kind of thriller Salters did in Game 1 when what looked like a comfortable Thunder win quickly turned into a furious finish and Pacers upset. Oklahoma City, meanwhile, is hoping to answer its Game 1 loss the same way it did against the Nuggets two rounds ago, when the Thunder won by 43 points after dropping the series opener. 

MORE NBA FINALS GAME 1:

• How Pacers stole Game 1 of NBA Finals with stunning comeback
• Tyrese Haliburton adds to clutch legend with Game 1 game-winner vs. OKC
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Game 1 stats
• Thunder give Pacers fits with first-half turnovers
• Inside Thunder's lineup change ahead of Game 1
• Tyrese Haliburton breaks down game-winner — with signature voice changes
• Tyrese Haliburton's clutch shot timeline