Steph Curry is one of many stars on display this weekend. (Getty)
The NBA is officially on break, which means it’s time for all-star weekend.
Whether it’s the game’s brightest young studs showing off their talent in the Rising Stars Challenge, sharpshooters going at it in the 3-point contest, elite athletes jumping off their invisible trampolines in the dunk contest or the actual All-Star game, there’s something for everyone over the next three days.
Here’s a look at when and where to watch all of the action from Toronto:
NBA All-Star Weekend Schedule 2016
TV Note: TNT and ESPN are for the United States; TSN and SportsNet are for Canada
Friday, February 12
7 p.m. ET: All-Star Celebrity Game, ESPN, TSN, SportsNet One
9 p.m. ET: Rising Stars Challenge, TNT, TSN, SportsNet One
Saturday, February 13
2 p.m. ET: NBA D-League All-Star Game, NBA TV
8 p.m. ET: All-Star Saturday Night (In order: Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, Dunk Contest), TNT, TSN, SportsNet
Sunday, February 14
8:30 p.m. ET: All-Star Game, TNT, TSN, SportsNet One
Preview
The Rising Stars Challenge, for the second year in a row, will pit Team USA against Team Canada. With what is looking like one of the deeper rookies classes in recent memory–Karl-Anthony Towns, Kristaps Porzingis, Devin Booker and Nikola Jokic all have the look of future (or present) stars, while guys like Jahlil Okafor, D’Angelo Russell and Emmanuel Mudiay are all making impacts–there will be a bevy of talent in this one.
And that’s not to mention sophomores Zach LaVine, who’s jaw-dropping athleticism is made for this game, or Canadian-born fan favorite Andrew Wiggins, who took MVP last year:
The Skills Challenge, needing a jolt of energy, will feature a compelling new format this year, as the guards will battle it out on one side of the bracket and the forwards on the other:
Skills Challenge Bracket includes some Kentucky players going Head 2 Head #BBN
This event has suffered from players going half speed in the past, but that won’t be happening this year. Every big on the planet wants to prove he can play point guard, while no guard will want to face the music if he loses to a forward in this competition.
We’re in the golden age of 3-point shooting, and that’s why it stole the show last year:
Steph Curry is back to defend his title, but with teammate Klay Thompson, sniper J.J. Redick, home-town favorite Kyle Lowry and several others, there is a slew of compelling storylines to watch in the stacked field.
The dunk contest, while easily the most entertaining in theory, can struggle with staleness at times, but as long as defending champ Zach LaVine is participating, it’s an event you can’t miss. It’s that simple:
Finally, you have the all-star game. Curry and Russell Westbrook in the same backcourt. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan playing in front of the home fans. James Harden, Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green coming off the bench. John Wall and Isaiah Thomas in the open court.
In other words, better cancel those Valentine’s Day plans.