The main plot of an otherwise dull NBA draft might unfold around a time of day when viewers are more accustomed to watching sports debate shows or game reruns on TV. Starting on its own day for the first time, the second round of the draft is set to begin in ESPN’s studios on Thursday at approximately 4 p.m. Eastern time. Bronny James, should he be selected at all, might be selected at 5:40 p.m., when ESPN often airs Pardon the Interruption, a national favourite among youth and the unemployed. This is because the Lakers will select No. 55 overall.
You can thank the current and former presidents for that. Spokespeople for ESPN and the NBA confirmed that the odd 4 p.m. start time was to avoid conflicting with Thursday night’s presidential debate. The league ultimately sets the start time for its own events, but nearly every network, including the Disney-owned ABC, will be airing the 9 p.m. debate live.
On Thursday night’s schedule are a few sporting events. Fox is set to broadcast live coverage of the Copa América match between the United States men’s national team and Panama at 6 p.m. Eastern, with the action moving to discussion coverage at 8:30. The match between Uruguay and Bolivia has been moved to Fox Sports 2. An MLB game is on FS1, while a WNBA matchup between Mystics and Sun is on NBA TV.
