Comedian Kevin Hart is set to bring his unique flair to the NBA with a Manningcast-inspired broadcast for the league’s in-season tournament. Scheduled to air on ESPN2 starting December 9, “NBA Unplugged with Kevin Hart” is a collaboration between Hart’s Hartbeat Productions and Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions.
The show, styled after the popular Manningcast for the NFL, will feature Hart alongside the Plastic Cup Boyz—Joey Wells, Will Horton, and Na’im Lynn. Special guest appearances from athletes and celebrities are promised, akin to the engaging format seen in the Manning brothers’ broadcast.
Following the In-Season Tournament Championship Game, seven episodes are slated throughout the season. These episodes will be tied to high-profile NBA matchups on ESPN platforms, including clashes like the New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers in January and the Dallas Mavericks vs. Miami Heat in April.
Hart’s Hilarious Manningcast Moments
Notably, Kevin Hart has previously graced the Manningcast, engaging in banter with the Manning brothers. The comedic exchanges saw jokes about Hart’s height, with playful retorts highlighting the chemistry between the hosts.
Hartbeat Productions, known for series like “Cold As Balls” and an Olympics Highlights show featuring Snoop Dogg, brings its creative touch to the NBA broadcast. Meanwhile, Omaha Productions, recognized for docuseries such as “Quarterback” and Monday Night Football’s Manningcast, contributes to the show’s production.
The NBA In-Season Tournament, launched in early November, introduced a cup-style competition involving all 30 teams, with the semifinals and championship game hosted in Las Vegas. As Kevin Hart steps into the hosting role, fans can anticipate a mix of humor, insights, and celebrity moments, making “NBA Unplugged with Kevin Hart” a promising addition to the league’s broadcasting landscape.
