Event of the Day: NBA All-Star Game
Our event of the day is the NBA All-Star Game at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte. Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James lead teams comprised of some of the NBA’s best players. This year sees an incredible line up including Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Steph Curry and Kyrie Irving. Be sure you don’t miss this exciting spectacle. Some of basketball’s best and most beloved players will face off at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte in the NBA All-Sar Game. Star of the Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo, will captain a team of talent either relatively new to the NBA or relatively new to the all-star weekend. Antetokounmpo himself leads the Bucks in points per game, assists and rebounds. Joel Embiid has established himself as an invaluable part of the 76ers roster this season. Appearing in his second All-Star game, Embiid is averaging 27.3 points per game and 13.5 rebounds per game. Kemba Walker is a long-time fan favourite appearing in only his 3rd All-Star game since his career began in 2011. Walker is having a good season for the Hornets, averaging 24.9 points per game.
However, it is his tenacity and commitment that make him so loved by the fans. Antetokounmpo’s first veteran is Steph Curry, doing what he always does with 28.6 points per game for the unstoppable Golden State Warriors. Team Giannis’ final starter is Paul George, currently having the best season of his career in his second season with the Thunder. George is putting up 28.7 points per game as the Thunder make a serious Finals run. They go up against a team captained by Lebron James. The NBA’s most recognisable star appears in his 15th consecutive All-Star Game, having only missed the honour in his rookie season, and has shone on a fairly lacklustre Lakers team. Lebron opted for a team of seasoned veterans this year. Kyrie Irving has led Boston as they fight in a competitive Eastern Conference, scoring 23.6 points per game and serving as a veteran anchor on a Celtics team full of young talent. Kawhi Leonard has bounced back from a 2017-18 season cut short by injury, scoring 27 points per game for the Toronto Raptors. James Harden is having an MVP-calibre season with the Rockets, scoring 30.6 points per game and supplementing that with 7.7 assists per game and 6.7 rebounds per game. Finally, there is Kevin Durant. Durant appears in his 10th all star game and has put up good numbers as part of the Golden State Warriors’ potent roster, scoring 27.6 points per game and pulling down 7 rebounds. The All-Star Game is always an unmissable spectacle so be sure to tune in tonight.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Big Bash League Final, where the Melbourne Renegades face off against the Melbourne Stars at the Marvel Stadium. It will be a showdown between the Renegades’ league-leading wicket taker, Kane Richardson and the Stars’ unstoppable batsmen, Marcus Stoinis, who scored 312 runs in the regular season. In the semi-finals, the Stars eased past the Hurricanes while the Renegades rallied to move past the Sixers in a tightly-contested match. You won’t want to miss this one. In the Scottish Premier League, Motherwell host Hearts at Fir Park. On the PGA Tour, the Genesis Open continues at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. In the NHL, the Minnesota Wild faces off against the St. Louis Blues at the Xcel Energy Center. In Major League Rugby, the San Diego Legion host the Utah Warriors at the Torero Stadium. On the WTA Tour, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Tournament begins at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by NBA