With the rest of the All-Star weekend festivities in the books, including Saturday night's Slam Dunk Contest, it's time for the main event. On Sunday night, the NBA's finest hit the floor at Staples Center for the 2011 NBA All-Star Game. The game features some of the best and brightest the NBA has to offer, from young stars to wily veterans that have become mainstays in the All-Star Game. It all takes place this evening, live on TNT.
Here's all the information for Sunday night's game.
Time: The NBA All-Star Game gets underway at 5:30 p.m. local time on Sunday evening.
Location: Staples Center in Los Angeles has the hosting duties this year. Staples Center plays host to both Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers games during the regular season.
TV Information: TNT has the broadcasting duties, with the usual suspects on the call. From Kenny Smith to Charles Barkley to Chris Webber, the TNT broadcast rarely fails to entertain, at least. During last night's dunk contest, Barkley had has 'A' game, spending most of the night dropping hilarious one-liners and zingers. From the pregame to the broadcast itself, it should be an interesting production.
Players: The East roster can be found here and the West can be found here. Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and Blake Griffin highlight the West roster and with Paul running the point, we're sure to see some fireworks. On the East side of the court, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Derrick Rose and Dwight Howard are the biggest names. Like the West, the East is in capable hands with Rose or Rajon Rondo running the point.
Defense Wins ... Nothing: Don't expect any defense in the All-Star Game as players engage in a star-studded game of horse on the court. From alley-oops to deep shots, the All-Star Game is simply a scoring exhibition as players try to throw down the biggest dunk or dish-out a pretty assist. Expect both teams to easily break the century mark before the fourth quarter begins.
Youth Being Served: Blake Griffin, Kevin Love, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant lead the way as the young guns of the NBA take center-stage tonight. Griffin has already put on a show this weekend in Los Angeles, taking home the dunk contest title on Saturday night. Though many of the veterans that are a lock for the All-Star Game every year are still around, it's these players, from the younger generation, that are worth keeping an eye on.
It all gets started on Sunday night at 5:30 p.m. local time on TNT. For more on All-Star Weekend, check out our Slam Dunk Contest StoryStream. For more on the game, stay with this StoryStream.