All-Star weekend descends upon San Francisco this year, marking the NBA’s yearly midseason celebration.
The festivities span three nights, featuring various on-court activities. Friday’s highlights include the Rising Stars competition, showcasing first- and second-year players, followed by the dunk and three-point contests on Saturday. The weekend culminates with the All-Star Game itself on Sunday.
This year’s All-Star Game introduces a fresh structure, transforming it into a mini-tournament format with games played to only 40 points.
For those eager to catch the action, here’s how to tune in: most events will be broadcasted on TNT and TruTV. The schedule for Eastern times is as follows:
– Friday: All-Star celebrity game at 7 p.m. (ESPN); Rising Stars competition at 9 p.m. (TNT, TruTV)
– Saturday: NBA All-Star practice at 2 p.m. (NBA TV); NBA HBCU Classic at 5 p.m. (NBA TV); All-Star Saturday Night at 8 p.m. (TNT and TruTV)
– Sunday: NBA All-Star Game at 8 p.m. (TNT and TruTV)
The All-Stars have been divided into three teams comprising eight players each, with the rosters being selected by TNT analysts Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith. Here’s a look at the teams:
**Team Chuck**: Nikola Jokic from Denver, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from Oklahoma City, Victor Wembanyama from San Antonio, Pascal Siakam from Indiana, Alperen Sengun from Houston, Karl-Anthony Towns from New York, Donovan Mitchell from Cleveland, and Trae Young from Atlanta. Notably, Giannis Antetokounmpo was originally slated to play but is sidelined due to an injury, and Young will step in his place.
**Team Shaq**: LeBron James from the Los Angeles Lakers, Stephen Curry from Golden State, Anthony Davis from Dallas, teammates Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown from Boston, Kevin Durant from Phoenix, Damian Lillard from Milwaukee, and James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers.
**Team Kenny**: Features Anthony Edwards from Minnesota, Jalen Brunson from New York, Jaren Jackson Jr. from Memphis, Jalen Williams from Oklahoma City, Cleveland teammates Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, Cade Cunningham from Detroit, and Tyler Herro from Miami.
The revamped All-Star Game format includes four teams competing in a mini-tournament, with each game played to 40 points. A shot clock will still be in effect, but players will not be disqualified for fouls. The fourth team will be designated as Team Candace, honoring Candace Parker, and will consist of the winners from the Rising Stars contest on Friday.
Betting odds indicate that Team Shaq holds the edge as the favorite at +155, closely trailing Team Chuck at +165. Meanwhile, Team Kenny comes in at +375, and Team Candace is placed at +650.
Among the favorites for the Skills Competition, Team Cavs, comprised of Mitchell and Mobley, leads the pack at +200, just ahead of Team Spurs, featuring Wembanyama and Chris Paul at +225, Team Warriors with Draymond Green and Moses Moody at +275, and Team Rooks consisting of Atlanta’s Zaccharie Risacher and Washington’s Alex Sarr at +375. In the three-point contest, Lillard is favored to win for the third consecutive time, with odds standing at +400.
Recent All-Star developments include:
– Trae Young has been named the All-Star replacement for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
– Antetokounmpo will not participate in All-Star weekend.
– Damian Lillard and Victor Wembanyama are set to compete on All-Star Saturday.
– Insights into the new All-Star format have been released.
– LeBron James has been selected for his 21st All-Star Game, further extending his record in the league.
Entertainment at All-Star weekend will feature a performance by LiAngelo Ball, brother of NBA players LaMelo and Lonzo Ball, during All-Star Saturday, with more performers expected to be announced soon.
