NBA All-Star Weekend 2023 Overview
This year, the NBA All-Star weekend returns to California for its second consecutive annual celebration, shifting its venue to Inglewood. Fans can expect a variety of events such as the celebrity game and the Rising Stars competition kicking off the festivities on Friday evening, followed by the 3-point contest, Shooting Stars challenge, and slam dunk contest set for Saturday. The highlight of the weekend, the All-Star Game, will introduce a fresh format pitting a USA team against an international squad, finally realized after years of discussion. This new approach is part of the NBA’s efforts to rejuvenate interest in the All-Star Game, a project jointly developed with the National Basketball Players Association.
Event Schedule
For those planning to tune in, here is the detailed schedule (times listed in Eastern):
- Friday:
- Celebrity Game at 7 PM (ESPN)
- Rising Stars competition at 9 PM (Peacock)
- NBA HBCU Classic at 11 PM (Peacock)
- Saturday:
- NBA All-Star media day at 1:30 PM (NBA TV)
- Press conference with Commissioner Adam Silver at 4 PM (NBA TV)
- Competitions start at 5 PM (NBC, Peacock) – featuring the 3-point contest, Shooting Stars, and slam dunk contest
- Sunday:
- NBA All-Star Game at 5 PM (NBC, Peacock)
Team Rosters
The All-Stars this year are divided into three teams, organized by the NBA:
USA Stripes
- Jaylen Brown (Boston)
- Jalen Brunson (New York)
- Stephen Curry (Golden State)
- Kevin Durant (Houston)
- LeBron James (LA Lakers)
- Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers)
- Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland)
- Norman Powell (Miami)
- Coach: Mitch Johnson (San Antonio)
USA Stars
- Scottie Barnes (Toronto)
- Devin Booker (Phoenix)
- Cade Cunningham (Detroit)
- Jalen Duren (Detroit)
- Anthony Edwards (Minnesota)
- Chet Holmgren (OKC)
- Jalen Johnson (Atlanta)
- Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia)
- Coach: J.B. Bickerstaff (Detroit)
World Team
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee)
- Deni Avdija (Portland)
- Luka Doncic (LA Lakers)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC)
- Nikola Jokic (Denver)
- Jamal Murray (Denver)
- Pascal Siakam (Indiana)
- Karl-Anthony Towns (New York)
- Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio)
- Alperen Sengun (Houston, replacing Gilgeous-Alexander due to injury)
- Coach: Darko Rajakovic (Toronto)
Competition Format
In terms of competition format, each of the U.S. teams will have eight players while the World team features nine. The games will last the standard 12 minutes, with the USA Stars taking on the World in the first matchup. The winner will advance to face the USA Stripes, while the losing team from the first game will play against the USA Stripes in another round. The two teams with the best records will compete for the championship, with point differential used as a tiebreaker if all teams finish with a 1-1 record.
Gambling Odds and MVP Contenders
Gambling odds from BetMGM Sportsbook indicate that Team USA Stripes is seen as the likely champion at +160, with the World team at +170, and the USA Stars at +200. The top contenders for the All-Star MVP title include:
- Wembanyama (+700)
- Doncic (+1000)
- Cunningham (+1100)
Notable Competitions and Performances
For those keen on specific competitions, the 3-point contest includes notable players like Booker, Murray, Maxey, and Lillard, while the slam dunk contest features Bryant, Johnson, Hayes, and Richardson.
In recent All-Star news, Sengun has been confirmed as Gilgeous-Alexander’s replacement due to injury. Lillard, who has yet to play this season, has been announced as a participant in the 3-point contest. Additionally, the Shooting Stars event is reinstated for Sunday night’s lineup, and highlights include star players like Curry, James, and Durant collaborating on the court. Notably, LeBron marks his 22nd consecutive All-Star appearance, with Duren, Powell, Johnson, Murray, Holmgren, and Avdija being recognized as first-time All-Stars.
Entertainment Highlights
Entertainment is also a key part of this weekend, with performances scheduled. The NBA Crossover event has artists including CORTIS, a five-member K-Pop group performing on Thursday, rapper Ludacris on Friday, and Shaboozey on Saturday at the L.A. Convention Center. CORTIS is also set to perform during the halftime of the celebrity game on Friday.
This weekend promises to be an exciting mix of basketball and entertainment, marking another memorable edition of the NBA All-Star festivities.
