By Zac Cornell
The NBA All-Star Game has finally arrived. At 8pm E.T. the bright lights will kick off in Chicago. This is the third time Chicago will be hosting the All-Star Game along with their first time hosting since 1988, which featured Michael Jordan.
The two teams were selected by All-Star Team Captains LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Even though you may not see the players breaking sweat as much as you would expect or playing much defense, definitely prepare for flashy dunks and acrobatic plays throughout the game.
Interesting Facts:
Eight countries will be represented in this year’s All-Star Game. There are eight international players which is a new record: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece), Luka Dončić (Slovenia), Joel Embiid (Cameroon), Rudy Gobert (France), Nikola Jokić (Serbia), Domantas Sabonis (Lithuania), Pascal Siakam (Cameroon) and Ben Simmons (Australia).
Nine of the All-Star players this year are under the age of 24. This is the most since 1951, which also had nine players. These players are Luka Dončić, Trae Young, Jayson Tatum, Brandon Ingram, Bam Adebayo, Devin Booker, Donovan Mitchell, Ben Simmons, and Domantas Sabonis.
LeBron James will also set the record for the most All-Star Games ever with his 16th appearance.
Changes to Format:
1. In the Fourth Quarter, there will be no time limit. At the end of the Third Quarter, they will take the team with the leading score and add a score of 24 points. Whichever of the 2 teams then reaches that score first, will win the game. In addition, they will have the shot clock in colors purple and gold. This is a new idea in attempt to honor Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant. Likewise, the NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, has renamed the All-Star MVP award to the Kobe Bryant MVP Award.
2. Each quarter will reset the scoreboard to 0-0. The team winning after each quarter will donate $100,000 to their designated Charity in Chicago. If the quarter ends up in a tie, they will pile the money onto the next quarter.
Where to Watch? TNT
NBA All-Star Team Rosters
Team Giannis
Starters:
- Joel Embiid, 76ers
- Pascal Siakam, Raptors
- Kemba Walker, Celtics
- Trae Young, Hawks
Reserves:
- Khris Middleton, Bucks
- Bam Adebayo, Heat
- Rudy Gobert, Jazz
- Jimmy Butler, Heat
- Kyle Lowry, Raptors
- Brandon Ingram, Pelicans
- Donovan Mitchell, Jazz
Team Lebron
Starters:
- Anthony Davis, Lakers
- Kawhi Leonard, Clippers
- Luka Doncic, Mavericks
- James Harden, Rockets
Reserves:
- Devin Booker, Suns (replaces injured Damian Lillard*, Trail Blazers)
- Ben Simmons, 76ers
- Nikola Jokic, Nuggets
- Jayson Tatum, Celtics
- Chris Paul, Thunder
- Russell Westbrook, Rockets
- Domantas Sabonis, Pacers
My predictions for each event:
Rising Star Team Winner: Team US
Rising Star MVP: Ja Morant
Three-Point Contest Champion: Devin Booker
Dunk Contest Champion: Aaron Gordon
Skills Contest Champion: Spencer Dinwiddie
All-Star Team Winner: Lebron’s Team
All-Star MVP: Anthony Davis
Inside Sports Journal 