Sky Sports activities, YouTube and the NBA are partnering to solely host Chewkz’s watchalong of the NBA All-Star recreation on the Sky Sports activities YouTube channel at 10pm on Sunday, February 15.
LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Luka Doncic, and Victor Wembanyama are simply 4 of the glamorous names headlining this 12 months’s occasion – which incorporates the dunk contest, the three-point contest, and the superstar and rising stars video games besides.
However this 12 months’s headline occasion – the All-Star recreation itself – brings an all-new spherical robin format, that includes three separate groups competing in opposition to one another, with one made up solely of international stars and two American squads.
Here is every little thing you could know forward of the NBA’s largest weekend:
What’s the new All-Star recreation format?
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Victor Wembanyama scored 37 of his 40 factors within the first half because the San Antonio Spurs beat the Los Angeles Lakers.
The All-Star recreation is boasting a brand new and improved format, that includes groups divided by age and nation, and a mini spherical robin stage earlier than a remaining between the highest two performing groups.
Till final 12 months, the NBA had operated utilizing a fantasy draft format – the place two gamers with probably the most votes would choose a group comprised of gamers from their convention – earlier than a spherical robin system was launched in 2025.
This 12 months, the All-Star recreation relies on a Crew USA vs Crew World idea. Crew World – comprised solely of foreign-born gamers – will face Crew Stars and Crew Stripes, two groups of American-born gamers.
The 2 American groups are cut up by age – Crew Stars options youthful skills like Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, and Tyrece Maxey, whereas Crew Stripes represents a longtime technology of All-Stars together with LeBron, Durant and Kawhi Leonard.
Every group will play one another group in three 12-minute video games, earlier than the 2 high groups face off in a 12-minute remaining.
Is that this LeBron’s final All-Star weekend?
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
LeBron James combines with Rui Hachimura for the game-winner because the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Toronto Raptors within the famous person’s twenty third NBA season.
A lot of the speak surrounding the weekend has been over the way forward for LeBron, because the 41-year outdated performs in a record-breaking twenty second consecutive All-Star recreation.
LeBron lately gave the impression to be emotional throughout a pre-game tribute video in what might have been his final recreation in his hometown Cleveland – the place he spent 11 years of his illustrious NBA profession.
“I’m just trying to take everything in, not take the moments for granted,” LeBron stated of Cleveland’s tribute. “Because it could be [my last season]. I obviously haven’t made a decision on the future, but it very well could be.”
LeBron holds the report for many All-Star recreation inclusions, chosen in 22 of his 23 seasons within the NBA, surpassing Corridor-of-Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s report of 19, however was initially chosen as a reserve for this 12 months’s contest earlier than the brand new format was introduced.
What are the opposite All-Star weekend occasions?
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Dallas Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg broke a 46-year NBA report after changing into the primary teenager to attain 49 factors in an NBA recreation in opposition to the Charlotte Hornets.
The NBA All-Star recreation on Sunday evening headlines the weekend – however there are 5 different occasions reside on Sky Sports activities all through the weekend.
The All-Star weekend kicks off with the Rising Stars recreation on Friday, with its personal spherical robin that includes a draft chosen by honorary coaches and NBA legends Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady and Austin Rivers.
The 4 groups are made up of gamers of their first and second years within the NBA – headlined by Mavericks No 1 decide Cooper Flagg – bar Rivers’ group, which is made up solely of gamers from the G-League.
Friday’s motion finishes with the Traditionally Black Faculties and Universities (HBCU) basic, which is able to see Hampton College tackle North Carolina AT&T.
Saturday options the Capturing Stars contest, the three-point contest and the dunk contest. Damian Lillard is seeking to take his third three-point crown in 4 years, whereas Jaxson Hayes headlines a dunk contest which can have a brand new winner after Mac McClung gained the final three contests in a row.
