NBA All-Star Weekend 2017: Complete schedule
By Adam McGee
With the NBA All-Star Weekend set to get underway in New Orleans, what exactly does the schedule look like?
The NBA All-Star Weekend is always among one of the first events on the calendar circled by hoops fans at the start of a new season.
Not only does the weekend’s marquee All-Star Game give fans the chance to see the league’s best players team up, and go against each other, but the rest of the events across the three days also offer some of the more light-hearted entertainment of the NBA season.
If you’re planning to spend the weekend in front of the TV taking in all of the action, how exactly does the schedule of events look? Let’s take a closer look at what’s in store.
Friday, Feb. 17
7 p.m. : NBA All-Star Celebrity Game (ESPN)
The Celebrity Game moves on from last year’s coaches, Drake and Kevin Hart, with Michael Smith and Jemele Hill calling the shots from the bench.
As usual the teams will include a mix of NBA legends, WNBA players and celebrities. Baron Davis and Jason Williams will be the former players suiting up, Candace Parker and Lindsay Whalen will represent the WNBA, while the celebrities will include personalities as varied as Nick Cannon, Win Butler and Mark Cuban.
9 p.m. : BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge (TNT)
Before the league’s more fully-formed stars get their share of the NBA All-Star Weekend spotlight on Sunday, the best up-and-comers from around the world will face off in the traditional rookie/sophomore game.
No longer pairing those two groups against each other, this year’s contest matches a US squad against a World team. The American group will be headlined by reigning Rookie of the Year Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell and Devin Booker, while in Joel Embiid‘s absence the World team will be fronted by Kristaps Porzingis, Nikola Jokic and Dario Saric.
Saturday, Feb. 18
2.30 p.m. : NBA D-League All-Star Game presented by Kumho Tire (NBA TV)
In one of the traditionally under the radar events of the weekend, some of the best players of the season to date in the NBA D-League get their chance to shine on the big stage.
Although notable names such as Yogi Ferrell and Ray McCallum won’t be suiting up having since made the jump up to the NBA, players such as Edy Tavares, JaKarr Sampson and Cory Jefferson should offer some familiarity to those less attuned to watching D-League action.
8 p.m : State Farm All-Star Saturday Night (TNT)
– Taco Bell Skills Challenge
– JBL 3-Point Shootout
– Verizon Slam Dunk Contest
Many of the NBA’s best will get their chance to show a more diverse range of their skills with the trademark mix of Saturday night contests.
The Skills Challenge has increased in popularity in recent years and with a field including a varied set of players such as Isaiah Thomas, John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis, it should be thrilling once again.
Klay Thompson will hope to defend his 3-Point Shootout crown, although with fellow sharpshooters such as Kyrie Irving, C.J. McCollum and Kyle Lowry in attendance, that may be easier said than done.
Finally, Aaron Gordon will be looking for a repeat performance from last year’s event, only with a different final outcome on this occasion. Without Zach LaVine, one of Derrick Jones Jr., Glenn Robinson III or DeAndre Jordan will be looking to emerge as a challenger.
Sunday, Feb. 19
8 p.m. : NBA All-Star Game
The festivities conclude for NBA All-Star Weekend in New Orleans on Sunday, as the best players from the Eastern Conference match up with their peers from the Western Conference in what’s guaranteed to be a high-octane exhibition game.
With storylines as varied as Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant teaming up again, to Giannis Antetokounmpo getting his first All-Star start, this year’s All-Star game promises to be one of the more interesting in recent memory.
All that’s left now is for us to hope that this year’s NBA All-Star Weekend delivers on the excitement it promises.