Arguably the most anticipated non-playoff event in the calendar, the 2024 All-Star weekend is just around the corner.
This year we’ll see some fresh and familiar faces at the event. Who are they and how can you watch?
To be an NBA All Star means a lot to NBA players. Not only is it a chance to mingle with some of the game’s other great players, but it’s also recognition for a season of hard work and elite performances.
2024 will be the history-making 73rd NBA All-Star weekend. The weekend, packed with action, is the ultimate celebration of basketball, attracting millions of global viewers who not only watch the game’s best players clash in an often free-flowing affair but also tune in to the other festivities, such as the massively popular Dunk Contest.
The complete 2024 NBA All Star weekend guide
Here’s our Guide info, so every fan knows how to tune into all the action. Keep scrolling to find the lineups, which now also includes updates to the Eastern Conference team, after injuries to Joel Embiid and Julius Randle.
When does it take place?
18 February, 2024.
The big day takes place on 18 of February which means Australian viewers will be tuning in on Monday 19 February.
It’s a whole weekend event, of course. And one of the highlights will undoubtedly be Steph Curry challenging Sabrina Ionescu in a showpiece three-point contest.
Where is it?
Indianapolis, Indiana
It’s rather timely given the lights-out form of local side, the Indiana Pacers, who recently acquired All-Star forward Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors. The Pacers’ offence, spearheaded by brilliant point-guard Tyrese Haliburton, is one of the greatest in NBA history.
Many experts view them as in with a chance of securing a Championship this season, though much of their title credentials hinges on their ability to sort their Achilles heel; defence.
Suffice to say, Indianapolis will be bouncing for All-Star weekend, feeding off the energy and excitement surrounding the Pacers, as well as that which is typically generated around All-Star weekend.
How to watch it
The 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend will be broadcast live via ESPN on both Kayo and Foxtel on February 19.
Australian viewers can subscribe to Kayo Sports for $25 per month.
Who are the 2024 All Star starters?
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Lebron James (captain)
Luka Doncic
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Kevin Durant
Nikola Jokic
Making his 20th All-Star appearance, LA Lakers star Lebron James will captain the Western Conference team. Despite his age, Lebron still averages a hugely impressive 25 points, seven assists and seven rebounds throughout the opening part of the 2023-24 NBA season.
Alongside him in the Western Conference front-court will be perennial rival, Kevin Durant alongside reigning MVP and NBA Champion, Nikola Jokic. Durant, one of the greatest scorers in basketball history, is a shining light in an otherwise underwhelming Phoenix Suns team, averaging nearly 30 points per game.
In Jokic, James’ team boasts one of the greatest big men in NBA history. A technical unicorn at the centre position, few point guards, let alone centres, have the vision and execution of the Serbian. A quarterback-esque player, he is the fulcrum of a brilliant Denver Nuggets outfit that is firming for back-to-back championships.
Benefitting from an all-round impressive OKC Thunder season is guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who adds an All-Star nomination alongside MVP shouts as examples of the brilliant season he’s having. SGA averages over 31 points per game, the fourth most of any player.
Ahead of SGA in points per game but alongside him in the Western Conference’s All-Star side is Dallas Maverick star, Luka Doncic. Like Jokic, Doncic seems to possess a third eye capable of spotting gaps before they’ve opened before threading passes through them like a needle through thread.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Giannis Antetokounmpo (captain)
Tyrese Haliburton
Damian Lillard
Jayson Tatum
Joel Embiid (now ruled out with a knee injury)
At this stage, Giannis Antetokounmpo is viewed as an All-Star lock before a season even begins. He is an incredible athlete, capable of dominating any opponent and muscling his way through the strongest of defences. He captains an Eastern Conference side featuring new teammate, Damian Lillard, capping his first season away from the Western Conference with an All-Star appearance.
Joel Embiid is the leader of a revitalised Philadelphia 76ers outfit under Nick Nurse and recently became just the ninth player in NBA history to score 70-plus points in a single game. He was leading the league in points per game this season, with 36.1, as the original starting lineups were announced. Embiid, along with New York’s Julius Randle, have unfortunately had to withdraw due to injury.
Embiid and Randle have been replaced by Toronto’s Scottie Barnes, who has made a major leap this season, along with Atlanta point guard Trae Young.
Celtics forward, Jayson Tatum, is another elite-level scorer whose name is written on the All-Star teamsheet before the season even begins.
Indianapolis hero, Tyrese Haliburton, is the other guard starting for Giannis’ Eastern Conference side. As mentioned previously, he’s been the facilitator of one of the most potent offences in NBA history, averaging a hugely impressive 12.6 assists per game. Imagine the dimes he’ll dish out to a flying Giannis?
