TNT Instates Clippers vs Lakers Clash But Luka Doncic & Mavericks’ Game Gets Ditched

Following decades of partnership in its truest sense, TNT is finally on its last run of broadcasting NBA games. Yes, the beloved network will no longer air live games following the end of this season because of the league’s new media rights deal. That privilege will instead be transferred to ESPN, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video. However, Turner still owns control of the games it airs this season. And they have made two major changes in their upcoming lineup, both involving the Clippers!

Turns out, Sunday’s Clippers vs Lakers clash will now be televised by NBA TV. Although the television network is owned by the league, it is operated by Warner Bros. Discovery through TNT, which means they call the shots on which games are being broadcast.

While the battle between both LA teams made the cut, the April 5 game, however, between the Clippers and Mavericks has now been ditched from NBA TV’s broadcasting schedule. Obviously, the Clippers-Lakers matchup has the potential to generate massive ratings now that Kawhi Leonard has returned from his extra-long recovery and joined forces with James Harden.

Moreover, LeBron James and Co. have been in dominant form and are sixth in the West. And Sunday’s clash could determine which LA team bags the higher seed this season. So, let’s reason this out. The Mavericks game might not have much star power because Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are currently injured. Although they could be healthy in April, it’s not guaranteed. The confidence in Dallas ain’t too high at the moment. Plus, the Slovenian talisman is also out of the All-NBA honors race.

So, in turn, this might be a good decision by TNT after all, only from the commercial angle. But, you may now ask, what happens to their relationship with NBA TV once the current media rights deal expires?

TNT to retain control of NBA TV despite losing broadcasting rights

Although Turner will be unable to broadcast live games starting next season, it will reportedly receive global rights outside America for Inside The NBA, Bleacher Report, and House of Highlights. Moreover, the platform can continue to use game highlights at absolutely no additional cost. More importantly, TNT will even retain the rights to NBA TV and NBA.com.

Obviously, this is a huge silver lining for the network because their relationship with NBA TV has been intact for several years. Legendary announcer Kevin Harlan even talked about it last summer, “I started in 1996. We’ve had a lot of different ownership changes, but we’ve had the NBA that whole time. Turner runs NBA.com. Turner Broadcasting also controls NBA TV. There’s a lot of investment that company has made in the NBA.” Well, this gives TNT a way to stay connected and relevant with the biggest hoops league, and hopefully regain control of broadcasting in the future, once the new deal comes to an end.

While that’s unlikely for now, never say never.