The 2023 NBA Finals are about to begin with the Denver Nuggets facing the Miami Heat. It should be a great matchup between two teams who know how to execute and are led by stars seeking their first championship. As the league gets things situated, they are making one notable change to the Finals this year: referee Eric Lewis won't be involved.

Speculation began during the Eastern Conference Finals that Lewis had been using a burner account to defend himself from criticism. The NBA opened an investigation into the matter but has yet to announce its findings. The league has also announced the 12 referees for the NBA Finals. Lewis is not one of them for the first time in five seasons.

The league is still reviewing the situation and will leave the veteran ref out, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. “Regarding Eric Lewis and the social media posts, we are continuing to review the matter and he will not be working the Finals,” said NBA spokesperson Mike Bass, per Stein.

Lewis previously came under fire after it was discovered that his family roots for the Boston Celtics and that the team has a great record in the games that he officiates. It shouldn't be a shock that a referee for professional basketball once rooted for one specific team or that the Celtics have a great record under him. They have great records with other refs, too, since they're a good team. Still, it's something that fans were not happy about.

The 12 officials for the 2023 NBA Finals are Tony Brothers, Scott Foster, Ed Malloy, Zach Zarba, Bill Kennedy, Courtney Kirkland, Marc Davis, John Goble, David Guthrie, James Williams, Kevin Scott and Josh Tiven. The two alternates are Tyler Ford and Ben Taylor. The crew for each game will be announced on the mornings of game days.