The NBA’s All-Star Saturday festivities are set to go down tonight, and naturally, you’re looking for the nearest couch or mobile device to check out the events. Here’s what’s on tap for what’s anything but an off day for The Association, as well as a look at who’s participating in what…
(All times Eastern)
11 AM-Hall of Fame Finalist Announcement
The official inductees into Springfield aren’t announced until the Final Four, but finalists will be announced to kick things off. Get ready to feel old, as among the first-year nominees are Tracy McGrady, Ben Wallace, Baron Davis and Gilbert Arenas.
Where to Watch: NBATV
12 PM-All-Star Game Practice
As perennial All-Star Allen Iverson once said, “We’re talkin’ about PRACTICE!” Nonetheless, it will be televised, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Where to Watch: NBATV
2:30 PM-D-League All-Star Game
The NBA’s showcase isn’t the only All-Star game going down this weekend, as the stars of the soon to be named Gatorade League will face off at the Superdome. Familiar faces will line the sidelines, as NBA veteran Jerry Stackhouse will coach the East squad, while Coby Karl, son of George, heads the West, the pair respectively coaching the Raptors and Lakers’ affiliates. Among the participants will be college stars Alex Poythress and Briante Weber.
Where to Watch: NBATV
7 PM-Adam Silver Press Conference
Silver will address the state of the league, and with sponsorships coming to jerseys, the league’s decision to pull this weekend’s festivities out of Charlotte, and the ongoing controversy with the New York Knicks, there will certainly be plenty for the commissioner to discuss.
Where To Watch: NBATV
8 PM-All-Star Events
Taco Bell Skills Challenge
For the third consecutive season, the Skills Challenge will employ a tournament-style competition. Though Karl Anthony-Towns won’t defend his title, two of the league’s rising superstars, Anthony Davis of New Orleans and Isaiah Thomas of Boston, will compete for the second consecutive season, as will newcomers Devin Booker of Phoenix and Nikola Jokic of Denver.
Where to Watch: TNT/Watch TNT App
JBL Three-Point Contest
Klay Thompson seeks history in the three-point shootout, seeking to keep the title in Oakland for the third year in a row, as well as become the first back-to-back winner since Jason Kapono did it in 2007-08. The competition will be steep, though, as fellow All-Stars Kemba Walker and Kyle Lowry will be competing, not to mention Kyrie Irving, who’s famous for a certain three-pointer made last summer.
Where to Watch: TNT/Watch TNT App
Verizon Slam Dunk Contest
The night concludes with the most renowned event of All-Star Saturday, and it will feature Aaron Gordon out for vengeance. Perhaps unrightfully denied of last year’s title, Gordon will look to avenge his narrow defeat at the hands of Zach LaVine last season, but the contest will be steep, as Derrick Jones, DeAndre Jordan and Glenn Robinson III are also on the bill.
Where to Watch: TNT/Watch TNT App