SI.com's Richard Deitsch noted TNT's Craig Sager returns to the sidelines tonight for Pelicans-Warriors after a bout with leukemia, and the "sartorially famous Sager said his TNT opening night outfit is already picked out." Sager "wanted something special so he called up A. Taghi in Houston, one of his favorite clothing stores, and it shipped in some silk from Italy for a custom-made orange jacket and rust-colored pants to honor breast cancer and leukemia survivors." His tie "will be orange and black with some bling to it." Following tonight's game, Sager "will work NBA TV's regular-season debut" Saturday night with Warriors-Pelicans. Doctors said that Sager is "free to travel and he also has designs on working for NBC as a basketball reporter" at the '16 Rio Games. Sager: “I have no restrictions as of now." But Deitsch noted Sager is "by no means done with treatment." On Nov. 9, he will return to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston to "receive two daily Vidaza injections in his stomach" (SI.com, 10/25).
WHITE MAMBA SPEAKS: In Boston, Adam Himmelsbach reported former NBAer Brian Scalabrine this year "will have a more visible role in Celtics telecasts," as he joins CSN New England "full time after working part time last season." Scalabrine is "scheduled to be a color analyst alongside longtime play-by-play man Mike Gorman at all 41 road games." He also will be the "main studio analyst for home games, with Tom Heinsohn still serving as the in-game analyst." Although he has a "colorful personality and will continue to use that as an asset, Scalabrine said he also knows when to sit back and let Gorman dictate the flow, particularly when it is time to allow a big moment to breathe" (BOSTON GLOBE, 10/26).
SIGNING OFF: On Long Island, Neil Best noted Knicks sideline reporter Tina Cervasio in June learned that her contract "would not be renewed" for this season on MSG. The network "later hired Rebecca Haarlow for the role." Cervasio's "final assignment for MSG" was Sunday's Red Bulls-Fire match. Cervasio: "I was very upset initially. I was shocked. I did not see it coming." Best noted Cervasio "has been working as a freelancer" for WNYW-Fox and also "plans to continue her involvement with the Red Bulls' digital operation" (NEWSDAY, 10/25).
