Bad news for NBA fans: Game 5 to be shown on delayed basis on free TV

BAD news for NBA fans, specifically those relying on free television to watch the Finals.

Just like Game Two, the fifth game of the best-of-seven championship series between the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs will be shown on a delayed basis by ABS-CBN on Monday.

ABS-CBN Sports announced on its social media accounts that the broadcast of Game Five, to be played on a Sunday in San Antonio (Monday morning, Manila time), will start at 9 a.m. on Channel 2.

The airing, however, will come an hour after tip-off since KrisTV, a daily program of actress-host Kris Aquino, owns the 8 a.m. timeslot in the giant broadcasting network.

Apparently, the Lopez-owned network has no plans to shake up its morning programming to give way to the live airing of Game Five.

ABS-CBN found itself in the same predicament in Game Two, which had an earlier-than-usual Sunday start in Miami and was therefore shown on a delayed basis, earning the ire of NBA fans.

But with the Heat winning Game Four, 109-93, on Friday, Filipino fans are assured that Games Six and, if necessary, Seven will be aired live on free television beginning at 9 a.m.

Cable channels Basketball TV and NBA Premium will continue to air the NBA Finals live.