You tuned in expecting Lisa Salters. The steady sideline presence, the Finals vet. But Game 2 of the NBA Finals is switching things up on the court and your screen. Out of nowhere, Jorge Sedano is the name lighting up your feed.

Plot twist? Absolutely. But this isn’t some mid-season fill-in. When ESPN pulls Sedano off the bench, you know there’s something real behind the scenes. And now, just as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton are dueling it out for basketball glory, there’s a new face courtside soaking up every timeout, whisper, and water break.

So, who is Jorge Sedano, and what happened to Lisa Salters? And why the big replacement now? Only one way to find out!

Who is Lisa Salters’ replacement, Jorge Sedano?

Born in New York and raised in Miami, Jorge Sedano launched his broadcasting career in 1999 at Miami’s WAFN-AM 1700 while still in college. Fast forward to 2004–2007, he was anchoring studio coverage for the Miami Heat Radio Network, working through the team’s rise to the championship stage. By 2010, Sedano had added television chops as a sports anchor at CBS4 Miami and then at Fox/Sun Sports covering Heat telecasts.

His leap to ESPN came in 2013, bringing him into the national spotlight. He’s since become a regular voice across SportsCenter, NBA Today, Around the Horn, and serves as a consistent sideline reporter for NBA and college football games. On the radio side, Sedano shines as co-host of Sedano & Kap on ESPN LA 710—where his direct, candid style (“no‑bleeps honesty”) pairs perfectly with co-host Scott Kaplan.

The man has also won several awards, a few of them including Miami’s Best AM Radio Personality in 2010, and being named one of the Top 20 professionals under the age of 40 in 2012 by Brickell Magazine, which is a Miami-based publication. 

But despite all his glory, what does Sedano’s presence really mean for Game 2? Expect a guy who’s comfortable in chaos—equally ready to drop a sharp insight or leap into the emotional heartbeat of the moment. Sedano, who might seem just like a seat-filler for now, is a seasoned voice with the experience and presence to handle the gravity of the NBA Finals sidelines. Guess fate had to do it this way.

And while we’re speaking of fate, what exactly happened to Lisa Salters? If history tells us anything, she’s not one to sit out a game as interesting as this one. Now, if you’re thinking the same, we have answers for you!

What happened to Lisa Salters?

Lisa Salters has been a constant presence on the NBA sidelines for nearly two decades—an ESPN staple who brings sharp reporting and genuine insight to every broadcast. So when news came that she wouldn’t be courtside for Game 2 due to a personal matter, it immediately caught attention.

Her absence is confirmed, but she has shared no explicit details, respecting her privacy. But what we do know is that her mother has been struggling with some health issues for quite some time now, therefore keeping Lisa Salters occupied. And that’s exactly what this moment calls for—a reminder that even the most familiar faces in sports media sometimes need to step back, no questions asked. And for those who’ve followed Lisa Salters’ career, this echoes a similar moment from October 2024 when she sat out a Monday Night Football game for personal reasons, earning public support from colleagues like Joe Buck.

Even the ESPN Broadcast is sending good wishes her way while she is away, “Lisa’s mom’s been dealing with some serious health issues for a while now, so we want to our love to Lisa and her mom. Although we’ve never met her mom, we owe her a debt of gratitude for giving us the gift of Lisa Salter’s, who is the teammate everyone in our business should strive to have. A teammate that shows up the same every single day… is a valuable asset. Lisa, we miss you, we love you, we’re thinking of you. We’re thinking of you, Salty.” 

For fans used to seeing Lisa Salters bring the game’s raw emotions to life, her absence isn’t just a missing byline. It’s a quiet but powerful moment showing that real life doesn’t pause for basketball. ESPN hopes to have her back for Game 3, but until then, guess some stories are just bigger than the box score. And if you’re new here and haven’t seen Lisa Salters in action, here’s the deal: From her early days as a sports reporter covering everything from college football to the NBA, she carved out a reputation for incisive reporting and a knack for storytelling. When she reports, it’s like you’re courtside yourself—no fluff, just sharp insight paired with heartfelt moments.

Her partnership with ESPN has been legendary, including covering NBA Finals, major NFL events, and countless memorable moments. Beyond the mic, Lisa Salters is also an advocate for women in sports media, breaking barriers in a tough industry. So her absence resonates—not just for fans hungry for NBA updates, but for anyone who respects the real lives behind the sport.

At the end of the day, the NBA Finals wait for no one, even if that means last-minute sideline swaps. Jorge Sedano has big shoes to fill, but with his experience and savvy, expect him to bring the heat and keep the stories coming. As for Lisa Salters? Here’s hoping she bounces back soon because when she’s courtside, the game just feels a little more real. Until then, let’s see what Sedano’s got.