The first half of the season came to a close Thursday night, which means it's time for the All-Star break. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festivities have been condensed into a one-night event in Atlanta on Sunday that will include the Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, Dunk Contest and All-Star Game.
Both the Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest will take place pre-game, while the Dunk Contest will be held at halftime of the actual game. As a reminder, the teams for the All-Star Game are no longer based on conference affiliation, but were picked by two captains: LeBron James and Kevin Durant -- who won't be playing due to a hamstring injury.
It's also worth noting that the All-Star Game will once again use the Elam Ending, and will honor Kobe Bryant by using 24 in the calculation of the final target score. For a refresher on how that process works, and insight from its creator, check out this feature by our own James Herbert.
Ahead of Sunday night, here's everything you need to know about the events and when they'll start. All betting odds via William Hill Sportsbook.
Skills Challenge
- When: Sunday, March 7 | Prior to tip-off of 2021 All-Star Game
- Time: 6:30 p.m. ET | TV: TNT
- Participants: Robert Covington (Trail Blazers), Luka Doncic (Mavericks), Chris Paul (Suns), Julius Randle (Knicks), Domantas Sabonis (Pacers), Nikola Vucevic (Magic)
- Odds to win: Doncic +225, Paul +250, Sabonis +500, Randle +550, Vucevic +550, Covington +600
3-Point Contest
- When: Sunday, March 7 | Prior to tip-off of 2021 All-Star Game, and after the Skills Challenge
- Time: 6:30 p.m. ET | TV: TNT
- Participants: Mike Conley (Jazz), Jaylen Brown (Celtics), Stephen Curry (Warriors), Zach LaVine (Bulls), Donovan Mitchell (Jazz), Jayson Tatum (Celtics)
- Odds to win: Curry +200, LaVine +450, Mitchell +500, Tatum +650, Brown +750, Conley +550
Who wins the NBA 3-Point Contest? And which long shot should you back? Visit SportsLine now to get Mike Barner's pick for the 3-Point Contest, all from the expert on an impressive 35-23 run, and find out.
Dunk Contest
- When: Sunday, March 7 | Halftime of 2021 All-Star Game
- Time: 8 p.m. ET | TV: TNT
- Participants: Anfernee Simons (Trail Blazers), Cassius Stanley (Pacers), Obi Toppin (Knicks)
So who wins the NBA Slam Dunk Contest? And what X-factor makes this player a value pick? Visit SportsLine right now to get Sunday's Dunk Contest picks, all from the SportsLine expert on an impressive 35-23 NBA heater, and find out.
2021 NBA All-Star Game
- When: Sunday, March 7
- Time: 8 p.m. ET | TV: TNT
- Betting odds: Spread: Team LeBron -3.5 | Moneyline: Team LeBron -155, Team Durant +135 | Total: 308.5
Who wins the 2021 NBA All-Star Game? And what crucial X-factor makes one side of the spread hit hard? Visit SportsLine right now to see which side is a must-back on Sunday, all from the SportsLine expert on an impressive 35-23 NBA run, and find out.
