The 2016 All-Star game could be a special one. It will be Kobe Bryant's last appearance in the event and it will feature Stephen Curry at the height of his powers, as well as LeBron James and Kevin Durant in their primes. Kawhi Leonard is making his debut while Paul George is back after missing last year's edition due to injury. The storylines are plentiful and so will be the talent on display for both conferences.
NBA All-Star Game 2016: Time, TV schedule and live stream
The 2016 All-Star game could be special. Here’s how you can watch it online.
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
The starting lineups won't feature any big men, thanks to the way the NBA set up fan voting. That has the potential to speed up the game, as there will be 10 guards and wings on the floor to start. Obviously both conference do have some size on the bench, with Andre Drummond, Chris Bosh, DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis, among others, offering the possibility of a more traditional look.
For the West, all eyes will be on the guards. Curry is having one of the best scoring seasons ever and routinely does things like pulling up from near center court. The setting is perfect for him to let loose and fire away, showing off his historically great shooting.
Curry's excellence has overshadowed the fantastic year Russell Westbrook is having. The Oklahoma City Thunder's point guard is averaging 24 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds per game and is a highlight machine thanks to his breathtaking athleticism. He will come off the bench behind Bryant but could form a devastating and exhilarating duo next to Curry.
When it comes to the East, James is still the biggest draw. In the eyes of many he no longer holds the title of best player in the world anymore, so he could be motivated to take over the game to show everyone that he’s still the king. James has two All-Star MVP awards but won his last one in 2008. It will be interesting to see if he goes for it this year or if he defers to his teammates.
The table is set for a fun game featuring some of the best players the league has ever seen. The rosters are balanced, with the West holding a small edge, so it could get competitive. More importantly, it could be a hugely entertaining night thanks to the great talent involved.
How to watch online
When: 8:30 p.m. ET
Where: Air Canada Centre, Toronto
TV: TNT
Streaming: Watch TNT
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