Western Conference at Eastern Conference
THE STORY: Several new faces highlight the rosters for the NBA All-Star Game. The starting lineups, however, are mostly stacked with returning superstars. Four-time All-Star Game MVP Kobe Bryant is making his 13th trip to the festivities in Orlando on Sunday, where he will match up against Miami Heat teammates Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, who have combined for three All-Star MVPs. Bryant carried the Western Conference to a 148-143 victory with 37 points and 14 rebounds last season, earning MVP honors in his hometown of Los Angeles. Attempting to do the same in 2012 will be Dwight Howard, who is sure to be the focus of much of the hometown attention.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT
ABOUT THE WESTERN CONFERENCE: The West features two pairs of teammates in the starting lineup, with Lakers’ Bryant and Andrew Bynum joined by Los Angeles Clippers’ Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. In an exhibition known for its lack of defense, fans can expect one or two highlights from the “Lob City” pair of Paul and Griffin. Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant rounds out the starting five, with regulars like Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash and Tony Parker coming off the bench. First-timers include Bynum, Marc Gasol and LaMarcus Aldridge, while Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love will each be making their second trip. Thunder coach Scott Brooks will guide the team from the bench.
ABOUT THE EASTERN CONFERENCE: Howard, who has yet to back off his trade request, could be playing one of his last games in front of the home crowd at Amway Center. Enjoying the festivities for the sixth time, Howard has averaged 14.2 points and 8.4 rebounds in his All-Star career. James has put up 24.4 points in his seven previous All-Star appearances, second only to Durant’s 24.5. Chicago’s Derrick Rose and New York’s Carmelo Anthony complete the starting five. Loul Deng, Roy Hibbert and Andre Iguodala will each be making their first trip, with Celtics teammates Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo and New Jersey’s Deron Williams rounding out the squad. The East will be coached by the Bulls’ Tom Thibodeau.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Pierce, who will be playing in his 10th All-Star Game, has never been voted a starter.
2. The Conferences have traded victories in each of the last six seasons.
3. The Eastern Conference holds a 36-24 lead in the all-time series.