NBA Skills Challenge 2017: TV schedule, participants, start time, and more

The NBA invited big men to take part in last year’s Taco Bells Skills Challenge during All-Star Weekend, and the results couldn’t have been better. This year’s challenge (Saturday, Feb. 18, beginning soon after 8 p.m. ET on TNT) will be headlined by stars such as DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, John Wall, and Isaiah Thomas.

Other entrants include Kristaps Porzingis, Nikola Jokic (in place of Joel Embiid), Gordon Hayward, and Devin Booker.

Traditionally designed for guards, this pass, dribble, and shooting competition is a way to gauge the skills of the NBA’s most dynamic players — small and big. Since last season, the challenge’s format features big men and forwards facing off against guards in a fast-paced, head-to-head matchup.

Last year, 7’0 Karl-Anthony Towns took down 5’9 Thomas in a thrilling final round, outshooting him in the tournament’s waning seconds:

Following tradition, the Skills Challenge will take place before the Three-Point Contest and the Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday night. Although Towns isn’t returning, this year’s event features a slew of young stars and is a must-watch for any NBA fan.

In addition to Towns, Cousins, Davis, and Thomas, last year’s competitors included C.J. McCollum, Jordan Clarkson, Emmanuel Mudiay, and Draymond Green.

Notable winners of the Skills Challenge include Stephen Curry, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, and Dwayne Wade.

DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
John Wall, Washington Wizards
Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets (in place of an injured Joel Embiid)
Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz
Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics

Date: Saturday, Feb. 18
Time: 8 p.m. ET (first event)
Place: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, La.

TV: TNT
Online Streaming: Watch TNT