PART 1

Yep, it’s that time of year again – where all the best players from around the league come together to play ball, shoot 3s, dunk, and show off their handles. This year it’s taking place in the Big Easy, New Orleans, home of Anthony Davis and the Pelicans. Here’s the run down of the first half of the weekend for you:

Sprint NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

A host of TV and movie stars, models, comedians, and musicians will take the hardwood on Friday the 14th of February. It’s always exciting to see some household names make fools of themselves, and this year will be no different – NBA Countdown presenters and Granland writers Bill Simmons and Jalen Rose will be coaching the teams.

TEAM SIMMONS: Kevin Hart, Terrence Jenkins, Mike Golic, Michael. B Jordan, Erin Heatherton, Jesse Williams, Skylar Diggins, Tamika Catchings, (+ one ‘To be decided celebrity’)

TEAM ROSE: Nick Cannon, Arne Duncan, Mike Greenberg, Columbus Short, Kristen Ledlow, Stan Verrett, Elena Delle Donne, Bruce Bowen, Wale

Watch out for: Kevin Hart trying to get his third straight MVP award, and US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan schooling the rest of the guys out there.

BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge

Watch as the best of the NBA up and coming stars battle it out in a (usually high scoring affair) – this year there are host of incredible players to see. Expect plenty of ankle breakers, dunks, and alley-oops – NBA TV’s Chris Webber and TNT’s Grant Hill are the coaches.

TEAM HILL: Damian Lillard (Portland), Bradley Beal (Washington), Andre Drummond (Detroit), Harrison Barnes (Golden State), Terrence Jones (Houston), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee), Jonas Valanciunas (Toronto), Dion Waiters (Cleveland), Miles Plumlee (Phoenix)

TEAM WEBBER: Anthony Davis (New Orleans), Michael Carter-Williams (Philadelphia), Tim Hardaway Jr. (New York), Trey Burke (Utah), Jared Sullinger (Boston), Mason Plumlee (Brooklyn), Victor Oladipo (Orlando), Steven Adams (Oklahoma City), Kelly Olynyk (Boston)

Watch out for: Big dunks from Anthony Davis, Andre Drummond, and Harrison Barnes, and the cold blooded Damian Lillard duel with the crafty Michael Carter-Williams.