The NBA All-Star Game makes a return to its classic East-West format for Sunday night’s game in Indianapolis. The West squad will feature LeBron James in his record 20th All-Star appearance, alongside 14-time All-Star Kevin Durant and Finals MVP Nikola Jokic. Meanwhile, the East’s roster includes Milwaukee Bucks stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, as well as Tyrese Haliburton playing in front of his Indiana Pacers fans for the first time.
The MVP of the game will receive the Kobe Bryant Trophy. The game is set for an 8 p.m. ET tipoff and will be televised on TNT. Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis will host this year’s event.
The starters for each side include names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Kevin Durant, and Nikola Jokic. This is the first year in a while that the game will return to the traditional East vs. West format rather than having captains pick teams.
In terms of predictions, the West is expected to secure the victory. The West has won six of the past seven matchups before the game switched formats. The winner of the Kobe Bryant MVP award is expected to be Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
In addition, Mac McClung won the slam dunk contest and Damian Lillard clinched his second consecutive 3-point contest win.
This year’s All-Star Game locations, broadcasts, and history have all been wrapped up, but the excitement for the event has only just begun.
