The NBA annual all star game is just around the corner. In less than two weeks, players will be voted for the All Star Game, an annual twist on the typical NBA formula which pits the most popular of the two NBA conferences against each other for one great clash. If you’re wondering who the All Stars are this game, scroll down, but if you don’t even know what an All Star is, let me explain.

The Draft

In the NBA there are two conferences: East and West. Each conference separately votes for which players they want to represent them. Half of these votes are determined by fans, while the other half are determined by the media, NBA players, and other official members of the NBA. Ultimately, 24 All Stars are voted in. The only requirements is that each team has two backcourt players, or Point Guards/Shooting Guards, and three frontcourt players. The final two spots are positionless.

The starters of each team are determined by the most votes a player receives in their conference, therefore also providing them the role of team captain. For example, this year LeBron James and Giannis received the most votes in their respective conference, so they are the captains this year. The draft then takes place which is a process when the captains choose from the players selected to be apart of their team. This process typically begins with selecting from the starters first and then the reserves. This year the draft is different, as in past years the draft usually happens a few days before the game itself. The draft will take place just before the game itself instead this year.

All Star Game Rules

The All Star Game itself is like a normal basketball game up until the 4th quarter starts. When the 4th quarter starts, there is no 12 minute timer for the quarter. Instead, the team that is leading at the start of the 4th quarter has to score 24 more points to win the game, while the team that was down has to score the amount they were down, in addition to 24 points. If the score is 105-103 at the start of the 4th quarter, then the target to win the game will be 129. The value added is 24 points this year as to pay tribute to the late Kobe Bryant.

All Stars

The following are the current NBA All Star rosters, sorted in descending vote popularity.

EAST

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo  – Milwaukee Bucks
2. Joel Embiid – Philadelphia 76ers
3. Kyrie Irving – Brooklyn Nets
4. Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers
5. Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics
6. Julius Randle – New York Knicks
7. Bam Adebayo – Miami Heat
8. Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics
9. Demar Derozan – Chicago Bulls
10. Pascal Siakam – Toronto Raptors
11. Tyrese Haliburton – Indiana Pacers
12. Jrue Holiday – Milwaukee Bucks

 

WEST

1. LeBron James – Los Angeles Lakers
2. Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets
3. Luka Doncic  – Dallas Mavericks
4. Lauri Markkanen – Utah Jazz
5. Ja Morant – Memphis Grizzlies
6. Domantas Sabonis – Sacramento Kings
7. Paul George – Los Angeles Clippers
8. Jaren Jackson Jr. – Memphis Grizzlies
9. Damian Lillard – Portland Trailblazers
10. Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves
11. De’Aaron Fox – Sacramento Kings
12. Shai Gilgeous Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder