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TNT Makes Shaquille O'Neal Announcement Amid Absence From NBA Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated May 12, 2025 7:31 AM ET

The NBA on TNT crew was missing one of their main guys on Sunday as they provided coverage for Game 4 of the second-round NBA playoffs matchup between the Indiana Pacers and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

This is after Hall of Fame big man Shaquille O'Neal was nowhere to be found as the broadcast started. Ernie Johnson provided the usual intro for the hosts, which, as always, included Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley. However, it was Jalen Rose who filled in for O'Neal.

Johnson addressed O'Neal's absence at the top of the show. He announced that the Los Angeles Lakers icon will also be away for Tuesday's broadcast.

“Sitting in for Shaquille O’Neal today and Tuesday, Jalen Rose,” Johnson said.

The announcement took Smith by surprise. The two-time NBA champion point guard had to clarify if he had heard Johnson correctly.

Johnson confirmed his previous statement. He explained, "We don’t work (on) Monday. Shaq’s got Tuesday off.”

Barkley then chimed in by revealing the reason behind O'Neal's absence.

“He's going to the upfronts," Barkley said. "You don’t want to do that.”

"It's not like he's not working," Johnson added.

The upfront is a key event that takes place at the start of advertising sales periods. It is held by television network executives, and it appears that TNT may have commissioned O'Neal to attend the gathering to meet with major advertisers and the media.

As Johnson revealed, O'Neal will not be present for TNT's broadcast on Tuesday. However, it seems that the former NBA MVP will be back for Wednesday's double-header as they provide coverage for Game 5 between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks, followed by Game 5 of the Golden State Warriors-Minnesota Timberwolves series.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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