Latest Basketball News
NBA All-Star Weekend 2026 Opens in Los Angeles with USA vs. World Format
The 75th NBA All-Star Weekend is hosted at Intuit Dome in Inglewood from February 13-15, featuring a new USA vs. World format to boost competitiveness amid international player growth. Roster changes include Brandon Ingram replacing Stephen Curry for USA and Alperen ÅengĆ¼n for World after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's injury. The event tests Commissioner Adam Silver's efforts to revitalize the midseason showcase.
Shooting Stars Competition Returns After 11 Years on Feb. 14
The KIA Shooting Stars event airs at 5 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, with four teams of two NBA players and one legend competing in timed shooting rounds from seven court locations. Teams include Team All Star (Scottie Barnes, Chet Holmgren, Richard Hamilton), Team Knicks (Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Allan Houston), Team Cameron, and Team Harper. Top two teams advance to a final round; ties replay the entire round.
Slam Dunk Contest Features Young Athletic Talents
The dunk contest on Saturday includes Carter Bryant (Spurs), Jaxson Hayes (Lakers), Keshad Johnson (Heat), and Jase Richardson (Magic), emphasizing athleticism over star power. Jaxson Hayes is favored to win due to his highlight-reel potential. Critics note the field requires a media guide for recognition, signaling need for fresh appeal.
Luka Doncic On Course for Limited All-Star Game Appearance
Lakers' Luka DonÄiÄ, sidelined by hamstring injury for four games, is expected to play a short stint in Sunday's All-Star Game after a strong Thursday workout. NBA insider Marc Stein reports he aims for a fan-pleasing appearance without risking further injury. Doncic headlines Team World alongside JokiÄ and Wembanyama.
Team USA and Team World Rosters Finalized Post-Injuries
Team World boasts Luka DonÄiÄ, Nikola JokiÄ, Victor Wembanyama, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and others, despite injuries to Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. USA features LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, and Brandon Ingram replacing Stephen Curry. The round-robin format includes USA Stars, USA Stripes, and Team World in four 12-minute games.
All-Star Game MVP Predictions Favor Luka Doncic
Luka DonÄiÄ leads candidates with his scoring and playmaking for Team World, predicted to win with a dominant stat line. Other contenders include Giannis Antetokounmpo, Victor Wembanyama, LeBron James, and Anthony Edwards. The open-floor style suits high-usage stars like these.
3-Point Contest Preview Highlights Karl-Anthony Towns
Karl-Anthony Towns is predicted to win the 3-Point Contest due to his consistent release and range, especially on money-ball racks. The event is part of Saturday's competitions at 5 p.m. ET alongside dunk and Shooting Stars. Catch-and-shoot specialists adapt to the rack format through repetition.
Full All-Star Weekend Schedule at Intuit Dome
Friday features Celebrity Game (7 p.m. ESPN), Rising Stars (9 p.m. Peacock), HBCU Classic (11 p.m. Peacock); Saturday includes Media Day, Commissioner presser, and skills events (5 p.m. NBC/Peacock); Sunday's All-Star Game at 5 p.m. (NBC/Peacock). All events at Clippers' Intuit Dome.
Athletes in Action Breakfast Honors Avery Johnson and Allan Houston
The 19th Annual All-Star Breakfast on Feb. 14 at 9 a.m. PST awards the Bobby Jones Award to NBA champion Avery Johnson for character and faith, and Jerry Colangelo Award to Knicks exec Allan Houston. Hosted at Proud Bird in LA with emcee Chris Broussard. Event unites NBA community for leadership recognition.
New All-Star Format Faces Criticism and Injury Challenges
The USA vs. World round-robin is hailed as injecting life but criticized for complexity, with losses like Curry, Antetokounmpo, and Gilgeous-Alexander. Analysts question if top players will engage fully, comparing to past failed ideas like 1-on-1 tournaments. Hope remains for competitive moments.
NBA Daily Lineups Released 10 Minutes Before Tip-Off
NBA lineup cards for regular season games, including potential All-Star break matchups like Lakers vs. Nuggets, are posted approximately 10 minutes before tip-off. GS15 and MPG15 stats track recent games started and minutes played. Lineups critical amid tight Western Conference races.
Betting Insights for All-Star Competitions Emerge
Sportsnet provides a betting standpoint guide for handling 2026 NBA All-Star events, covering dunk, 3-point, and Shooting Stars outcomes. Strategies focus on favorites like Jaxson Hayes in dunks and format-aware picks. Events air live on NBC and Peacock.