NBA All-Star weekend festivities begin tonight with the Rising Stars Challenge game featuring rookies and sophomores split into a USA and World team.
For the third consecutive year, the league’s annual showcase of premier young talent will pit 10 first- and second-year NBA players from the U.S. against 10 first- and second-year NBA players from around the world. The game will be televised live by TNT at 8 p.m. CT.
The All-Star Celebrities game will be played at the Superdome at 7 tonight. Among those participating are Maverick's owner, Mark Cuban, actor and New Orleans' native, Anthony Mackie, recording artist Master P, and celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez. The contest will be televised by ESPN.
Tomorrow is All-Star Saturday Night.
Warriors guard Klay Thompson is defending his Three-Point Contest title and the Magic's Aaron Gordon is hoping to win the Slam Dunk Contest. Gordon lost to Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine in last year's heralded event.
The All-Star Game will be played at 7 on Sunday night.
Starting for the Western Conference is Warriors guard Steph Curry, Rockets guard James Harden, Warriors forward Kevin Durant, Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard and Pelicans big man Anthony Davis. The Eastern Conference first five features Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving, Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan, Cavs forward LeBron James, Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bulls forward Jimmy Butler.