There are few US cities as interesting as New Orleans – a cultural melting pot, with a flair for the entertaining, magical and outrageous so it came as no surprise when it was announced as the new venue for this year’s All-Star games following a controversial decision to move it away from its originally intended location in Charlotte NC.
The timing couldn’t have been anymore perfect for first time starter, Anthony Davis as he will be looking to give his hometown crowd a little extra to cheer about. The lineup for the weekend promises to be breathtaking and here’s a preview on each event on Friday, 17th February.
NBA Celebrity All-Star Game
The curtain-raiser on the three-day exhibition that most capture the glitz and glam of the NBA is the NBA-Celebrity All-Star game. One of a host of exciting events that lead up to the main showdown, this game pits East vs West and sometimes contains names that are less famous than your all-stars (so much for “celebrity”).
You’ll get to see some household names on the court nonetheless including TV personality, Nick Cannon, “Fault in our Stars” actor, Ansel Elgort and Tom Cavanagh from “The Flash”. Other notable members on the teams include kid stars Caleb Mclaughlin (Stranger Things) and Miles Johnson (Blackish).
The rest of the roster is filled up by former NBA stars, cross-sport athletes, celebrity wanna-be ballers, media personalities, WNBA legends and even a chef. The basketball promises to be exciting, funny, and all-round entertaining.
Last year, Drake and team Canada were able to best Kevin Hart and his team USA 74-64 despite some late-game shenanigans from the four-time MVP turned coach. Neither of them are returning this year and instead, the East will be led by Jemele Hill while the West will trot out behind Michael Smith. Both coaches are sports broadcasters with ESPN.
The game will be played at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome at 7 P.M. ET (1 A.M. WAT) and will showing on ESPN. You can also livestream at WatchESPN.
If you want to see the rest of the participants in this year’s game, click here
BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge
The NBA’s (and possibly the world) most promising young basketball talents converge on the Smoothie King Center in a showcase that pits players of international nationality against US talent.
The biggest talking point is 76ers Cameroonian center Joel Embiid who after his selection to Team World has to miss the game due to injury. He’s been impressive this year and looks a lock for Rookie of the year, averaging 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in just over 25 minutes. Winner of all the Rookie of the month awards out East, the Rising Stars challenge won’t be the same without his silky smooth moves and affable personality. He’s replaced by Alex Abrines of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Karl-Anthony Towns reprises his role as Team, USA’s anchor and although it would have been fun to watch last year’s Rookie of the Year go up against this year’s potential Rookie of the Year, KAT still promises to bring the juice. He’s having a solid campaign this year, averaging 23.7 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks as part of the Timberwolves young core that’s still struggling to find its identity.
Other impressive first or second year players that will be strutting their stuff on Friday include:
Kristaps Porzingis (Knicks & Latvia) – 18.5 pts, 7.1 rbs, 2 blks.
Myles Turner (Pacers & USA) – 15.1 pts, 7.1 rbs, 2.2 blks.
Devin Booker (Suns & USA) – 21.1 pts, 3.2 asts, .362 3PFG%.
Nikola Jokic (Nuggets & Serbia) – 16.3 pts, 8.8 rbs, 4.3 asts.
Dario Saric (76ers and Croatia) – 10.6 pts, 5.8 rbs, .335 3PFG%, and
Malcolm Brogdon (Bucks & USA) – 9.4 pts, 4.2 asts, .413 3PFG%.
The full roster is available at nba.com
The game tips off at 9 P.M. ET (3 A.M. WAT) on TNT.