Before the NBA returns to NBC next year, NBC play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico will call a pair of NBA games this week featuring the Celtics and 76ers.

When the network most closely associated with the NBA's late-20th century explosion in popularity signs back on in '26, Mike Tirico will serve as its lead play-by-play announcer. On Monday, Tirico called the Philadelphia 76ers' 119–102 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers as a warm-up alongside former 76ers forward Alaa Abdelnaby.

I’m not going to come in and try to make a name off being critical of the Sixers’ frustrations this year," Tirico told The Inquirer.

As the NBA returns to NBC this season, NBC Sports Philadelphia's Amy Fadool caught up with broadcaster Mike Tirico about calling the games. Mike Tirico is the new voice of the NBA for NBC originally a