If you tuned into Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals expecting Lisa Salters patrolling the sidelines like she’s done since the dawn of time (okay, 2005, but still), you probably did a double-take when Jorge Sedano popped up instead. And no, this wasn’t a last-minute DNP – Rest situation. ESPN’s lead sideline reporter was out, and this time it wasn’t load management—it was something far more personal.

Salters missed the highly anticipated Pacers vs. Thunder clash due to a serious family matter involving her mother’s health. ESPN’s crew, never ones to shy away from giving flowers where due, opened the broadcast with a heartfelt shoutout that had the emotional weight of a Game 7 buzzer-beater.

“We’re thinking of our dear friend and colleague Lisa Salters. Lisa’s mom’s been dealing with some serious health issues for a while now, so we want to send our love to Lisa and her mom. Although we’ve never met her, we owe her a debt of gratitude for giving us the gift of Lisa Salters,” the crew said on-air.

That’s not just touching—it’s Tim Duncan-in-the-post fundamental wholesomeness.

Let’s not forget who we’re talking about here. Lisa Salters has been ESPN’s MVP in the sideline game since flip phones were still in style. She’s held it down across the NBA and NFL, reporting for Monday Night Football with the same consistency as Kyle Korver from the corners. In fact, she’s been part of the NBA Finals coverage since 2022 and won her first Sports Emmy in 2023—finally getting her own kind of ring in the “Outstanding Personality/Reporter” category, recognizing her work across ESPN’s platforms, including MNF and NBA coverage. No wonder her absence had viewers missing her like the Heat miss perimeter defense.

Jorge Sedano filled in admirably, shifting from ESPN Radio to the TV broadcast like a seasoned sixth man stepping into the starting lineup. Vanessa Richardson then took Sedano’s radio spot, proving ESPN’s bench depth runs deeper than the 2015 Warriors.

But Game 2 just didn’t feel the same without Salters’ calming sideline presence. You know how some players are glue guys? Lisa is ESPN’s glue gal. “Lisa is the teammate everyone in our business should strive to have,” said one ESPN host. “She shows up the same every single day.”

You hear that, James Harden?

What’s Going On Behind the Scenes for Lisa?

So what exactly pulled Salters off the court during the biggest stage in hoops? ESPN labeled it a “personal matter” in their official statement, but Sunday’s broadcast confirmed that her mother is battling “serious health issues.”

And here’s where things get even more telling: Salters’ longtime partner, Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White, also missed her team’s WNBA game that same weekend due to—you guessed it—a “family emergency.”

This isn’t a coincidence. The Fever’s DeWanna Bonner even dedicated their win to White, saying: “I really want to win for Steph, she’s going through a tough time with her family right now. We want to rally together and get this one for her.” So not only is Lisa Salters out, but her partner—the leader of a rising WNBA squad—is sidelined too. That’s two personalities off the court dealing with a real-life full-court press, and the sports world is doing the right thing by sending them love.

Lisa and Stephanie live in Nashville and co-parent four boys—White’s three sons from a previous marriage and Salters’ adopted son. It’s a full house, even when life isn’t throwing curveballs. Managing that family unit while working two high-pressure sports gigs? That’s tougher than guarding Steph on a broken play.

And yet, they’ve both been aces at their respective jobs. White is trying to bring the Indiana Fever back to relevance post-Caitlin Clark frenzy, while Salters has been the most dependable sideline voice this side of Doris Burke.

It’s rare to see ESPN break the fourth wall with this kind of emotion, but it was fitting. It reminded fans that, beyond the hot takes, buzzer-beaters, and trade rumors, the people behind the camera are dealing with life too.

No one’s pushing for a comeback date. In fact, the network hasn’t even confirmed if Salters will be back for Game 3 in Indianapolis on June 11. And you know what? That’s okay. Let the vet take her time. Fans online echoed the broadcast’s sentiment. No toxic takes here—just love for someone who’s earned it by grinding harder than a Pat Bev defensive set.

This NBA Finals may go down as a classic—the Thunder’s youth vs. the Pacers’ grit—but Lisa’s absence is the kind you feel. It’s like watching the Suns without Kevin Durant or the Nuggets without Jokic—technically, the game still happens, but the soul feels a bit… lighter. So here’s hoping Lisa and Stephanie are surrounded by family, comfort, and all the strength in the world.

And when she’s ready to come back? We’ll be watching, waiting, and probably crying on the couch like it’s Vince Carter’s retirement game. Take your time, Lisa. Basketball will still be here. But more importantly, so will your fans.