NBA All-Star Weekend Returns to the Bay
NBA All-Star Weekend is making a grand return to the Bay Area, with Oakland and San Francisco hosting the 74th edition from Friday to Sunday. This year promises to be unprecedented, with a revamped format and a roster of some of the most talented players from the NBA, the G League, and the international scene. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From the Rising Stars challenge to the All-Star Game itself, the weekend is set to be a celebration of basketball’s finest.
Rising Stars Challenge: The Future on Display
Friday, 9 p.m. ET (TNT)
The Rising Stars challenge is a showcase of the NBA’s brightest young talents, featuring rookies and second-year players, as well as standout performers from the G League. This year, 28 players have been divided into four teams, each coached by a former Warriors legend, and will compete in a thrilling three-game tournament. The winner of the championship game on Friday will earn a coveted spot in Sunday’s All-Star Game tournament, adding an extra layer of excitement and competition.
The format is unique: for the semifinal games, the winners will be the first teams to reach or surpass 40 points. In the title game, the threshold is 25 points. Originally, Victor Wembanyama, Brandon Miller, Scoot Henderson, Dereck Lively II, Cason Wallace, and Jared McCain were selected but will not play due to their participation in Sunday’s All-Star Game or injury. They have been replaced by Anthony Black, Toumani Camara, Brandin Podziemski, Julian Strawther, Ausar Thompson, and Ryan Dunn.
Chris Mullin, Mitch Richmond, and Tim Hardaway Sr. drafted their teams, each selecting seven players from a pool of 21 NBA rookies and sophomores. Jeremy Lin will lead the G League team, adding a mix of professional experience and fresh talent to the competition. The teams are as follows:
- Team C (Tim Hardaway Sr.): Ja Morant, Jalen Green, Scottie Barnes, Aleksej Pokusevski, Josh Giddey, Franz Wagner, and Keon Johnson
- Team T (Mitch Richmond): LaMelo Ball, Tyrese Haliburton, Anthony Edwards, Cole Anthony, Isaiah Jackson, Davion Mitchell, and Josh Christopher
- Team G League (Jeremy Lin): Jay Scrubb, Jeremy Pargo, Isaiah Washington, Jalen Terry, Daishen Nix, DJ Steward, and Daron Russell
- Team M (Chris Mullin): Scottie Barnes, Jalen Green, Keon Johnson, Franz Wagner, Josh Giddey, Aleksej Pokusevski, and Ja Morant
Skills Challenge: Dribbling, Passing, and Shooting Showdown
Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (TNT)
The Skills Challenge has always been a fan favorite, testing players’ all-around basketball skills in a fast-paced, head-to-head competition. This year, the event is more exciting than ever, with four two-man teams vying for the top spot. The challenge includes dribbling, passing, and shooting, with each team aiming to complete the course in the fastest time possible.
The participants are:
- Team Cavs: Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley
- Team Rooks: Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr
- Team Spurs: Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama
- Team Warriors: Draymond Green and Moses Moody
Each team will face off in a series of challenges, and the winners will advance to the final round. The event is not just about speed but also precision and teamwork, making it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the finesse of the game.
3-Point Contest: Sharpshooters Battle for Glory
Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (TNT)
No All-Star Weekend is complete without the 3-Point Contest, where some of the league’s most accurate shooters go head-to-head to see who can hit the most baskets from behind the arc. This year’s field includes two-time reigning champion Damian Lillard, who is also one of the five 2025 All-Stars participating in the shootout. Lillard aims to join Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only players to win the contest three consecutive times.
The full list of participants is:
- Damian Lillard (Bucks)
- Jayson Tatum (Celtics)
- Kyle Kuzma (Wizards)
- Ja Morant (Grizzlies)
- Cade Cunningham (Pistons)
- Buddy Hield (Kings)
- Desmond Bane (Grizzlies)
- Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)
Each player will have 60 seconds to hit as many three-point shots as possible, with special spots featuring harder shots for increased points. The top scorers will advance to the final round, where the stakes are even higher and the competition even fiercer.
Slam Dunk Contest: Gravity-Defying Performances
Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (TNT)
The Slam Dunk Contest is the ultimate showcase of athleticism and creativity. This year, defending champion Mac McClung returns to defend his title and attempt to become the first player to win three consecutive slam dunk contests. Joining him are two high-flying rookies, Matas Buzelis and Stephon Castle, along with second-year guard Andre Jackson Jr.
The full list of participants is:
- Mac McClung (Orlando Magic)
- Matas Buzelis (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Stephon Castle (Indiana Pacers)
- Andre Jackson Jr. (Philadelphia 76ers)
Each contestant will have two dunks to impress the judges and the audience. The winner will be the player who scores the highest total points, and the fans can expect gravity-defying performances and innovative dunks that will leave them in awe.
NBA All-Star Game: A Tournament of Stars
Sunday, 8 p.m. ET (TNT & TruTV)
The centerpiece of All-Star Weekend is the NBA All-Star Game, and this year’s event is unlike any other. The 74th NBA All-Star Game will feature 24 of the league’s brightest stars, including LeBron James, who is making his record 21st All-Star appearance. The format has been overhauled to a three-game tournament, with teams selected through an All-Star draft conducted by TNT analysts Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith. The fourth team will be the winner of Friday’s Rising Stars championship game, adding an exciting twist to the proceedings.
For each game in Sunday’s tournament, the winner will be the first team to reach or surpass 40 points. The prize money is substantial, with each player on the championship-winning team receiving $125,000, the second-place team receiving $50,000, and the third- and fourth-place teams receiving $25,000. This competitive structure ensures that the players will bring their A-game, providing an action-packed and entertaining experience for fans.
Team Breakdowns and Semifinal Matchups
The All-Star teams are a mix of veterans, young stars, and international talent, making the tournament a true representation of the global nature of the NBA. Here’s a breakdown of the rosters:
- Shaq’s OGs: Headlined by LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, James Harden, Jaylen Brown, and Kyrie Irving.
- Kenny’s Young Stars: Featuring Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jalen Williams, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Cade Cunningham, Tyler Herro, and Trae Young.
- Chuck’s Global Stars: Including Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, Pascal Siakam, Alperen Şengün, Karl-Anthony Towns, Donovan Mitchell, and Trae Young.
The semifinal matchups have been announced:
- Chuck’s Global Stars vs. Kenny’s Young Stars
- Shaq’s OGs vs. Candace’s Rising Stars
The winning teams from these matches will advance to the championship game, where the final showdown will determine the NBA All-Star Game champions. With a mix of skill, experience, and international flair, the tournament is set to be a spectacle that basketball fans won’t soon forget.
A Weekend of Basketball Extravaganza
NBA All-Star Weekend in the Bay Area is more than just a series of games; it’s a celebration of the sport and its community. From the Rising Stars challenge to the Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, Slam Dunk Contest, and the All-Star Game, each event offers a unique glimpse into the talents and personalities of the NBA’s best. Whether you’re watching from the comfort of your home or cheering in the stands, the weekend is guaranteed to be packed with exciting moments, unforgettable dunks, and thrilling comebacks. So, mark your calendars and get ready to witness the best of the best as they take the court in Oakland and San Francisco.
