NBA All-Star Weekend Tips Off Tonight With Stars You Wouldnt Expect

A reimagined NBA All-Star Weekend tips off tonight with star-studded events, key injuries, and new broadcast plans reshaping the fan experience.

The NBA’s brightest weekend is here, and it all tips off tonight at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. All-Star Weekend is more than just a game-it’s a three-day celebration of basketball culture, rising talent, and the league’s biggest stars coming together under one roof. Whether you're in it for the celebrity cameos, the high-flying dunks, or the All-Star Game itself, there's something for every kind of hoops fan.

Let’s break down everything you need to know heading into the weekend, from the schedule to the rosters-and yes, a few key injury updates that could shake things up.


Friday Night Lights: Celebrity Game & Rising Stars

Celebrity Game
It all starts with the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, which tips off at **6 p.m.

CT**. The event brings together athletes, entertainers, and influencers for a lighthearted but competitive showcase.

Among the notable names hitting the court: NFL wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Keenan Allen, along with reality TV personalities Taylor Frankie Paul and Nicolas Vansteenberghe.

Expect a few highlight-reel plays, a lot of laughs, and maybe even a surprise MVP performance.

Rising Stars Game
Right after the celebrities clear the floor, it’s time for the next generation of NBA talent to take center stage.

The Rising Stars Game begins at 8 p.m. CT, featuring a mix of rookies, sophomores, and G-League standouts.

One notable absence: Oklahoma City’s Ajay Mitchell, who was selected but will miss the game due to injury.

This event has become a must-watch in recent years, often giving fans an early look at future All-Stars. It’s also a chance for G-League players to prove they belong on the big stage. The game won’t be televised, but fans can stream it live on Peacock.


Saturday: All-Star Saturday Night

Saturday night is all about the show. From deep threes to gravity-defying dunks, this is where legends are made during All-Star Weekend.

Start Time: 4 p.m. CT

Where: Intuit Dome
TV: NBC

Streaming: Peacock

The night features two marquee events:

  • Three-Point Contest - Always a fan favorite, especially with the league’s current crop of sharpshooters.
  • Slam Dunk Contest - The event that made names like Vince Carter and Zach LaVine household staples. Who will steal the spotlight this year?

Sunday: The Main Event - NBA All-Star Game

The weekend wraps up with the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday at 4 p.m. CT, back at the Intuit Dome.

The format features three teams this year: USA Stars, USA Stripes, and World, adding a new wrinkle to the usual East vs. West or Team Captains structure.

The game will be broadcast on NBC and streamed live on Peacock.


All-Star Game Rosters

Let’s take a closer look at the lineups, including a couple of big names who unfortunately won’t suit up.

USA Stars

  • Scottie Barnes (Raptors)
  • Devin Booker (Suns)
  • Cade Cunningham (Pistons)
  • Jalen Duren (Pistons)
  • Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)
  • Chet Holmgren (Thunder)
  • Jalen Johnson (Hawks)
  • Tyrese Maxey (76ers)
  • Coach: J.B.

Bickerstaff (Pistons)

Holmgren’s inclusion is a big nod to his breakout rookie campaign. He’ll represent the Thunder on the USA Stars squad.

USA Stripes

  • Jaylen Brown (Celtics)
  • Jalen Brunson (Knicks)
  • Kevin Durant (Rockets)
  • De’Aaron Fox (Spurs)
  • Brandon Ingram (Raptors)
  • LeBron James (Lakers)
  • Kawhi Leonard (Clippers)
  • Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers)
  • Stephen Curry (Warriors) Injured
  • Coach: Mitch Johnson (Spurs)

Even with Curry sidelined, this group is loaded with veteran firepower. LeBron and Durant on the same team is always must-watch basketball.

World

  • Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers)
  • Luka Doncic (Lakers)
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder) Injured
  • Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)
  • Jamal Murray (Nuggets)
  • Norman Powell (Heat)
  • Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
  • Pascal Siakam (Pacers)
  • Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks)
  • Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) Injured
  • Coach: Darko Rajakovic (Raptors)

The World team is stacked with international stars, led by Jokic and Doncic. Unfortunately, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will miss the game due to injury, a tough blow for Thunder fans hoping to see their MVP candidate shine on the biggest stage.


All-Star Game Odds (via BetMGM)

  • World: +155
  • USA Stripes: +160
  • USA Stars: +200

The odds reflect just how tight this three-team race could be. The World squad gets a slight edge, likely thanks to the presence of Jokic, Doncic, and Wembanyama. But don’t sleep on the USA teams-especially with scorers like Edwards, Booker, and Maxey ready to light it up.


All-Star Weekend is always a blend of spectacle and substance, and this year is shaping up to be no different. From rising stars to global icons, the league is putting its full talent pool on display. And while some big names are sitting out, there's still plenty of star power to go around.

So whether you're tuning in for the dunks, the drama, or just to see your favorite player in a different jersey, buckle up-this weekend is all about celebrating the game we love.