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NBA All-Star Weekend 2026: What to Expect

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 14:34 GMT by NBC Sports
      Locales: Oklahoma, Indiana, UNITED STATES

Beyond the Game: All-Star Weekend Activities

While the All-Star Game itself is the marquee event, the festivities extend far beyond the final buzzer. NBA All-Star Weekend traditionally includes a dazzling array of events, captivating fans both on and off the court. The State Farm All-Star Saturday Night will likely feature the Slam Dunk Contest, the 3-Point Contest, and the Skills Challenge - always fan favorites. These competitions provide a platform for rising stars and established veterans to demonstrate their athleticism and creativity. Expect a vibrant atmosphere with high-energy performances and unforgettable moments. Beyond these staples, the NBA often introduces new and innovative events to keep the weekend fresh and engaging, such as celebrity games or fan-focused interactive experiences. Local Indianapolis attractions will also undoubtedly be integrated into the weekend's schedule, offering visitors a taste of the city's culture and hospitality.

The All-Star Game Format: Captains and a Target Score

The 2026 All-Star Game will continue to utilize the 'Captain vs. Captain' format, introduced in recent years to inject more player agency and competitive spirit into the exhibition game. This system empowers the two leading vote-getters - likely perennial All-Stars like LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo - to serve as captains and personally select their teams from the remaining pool of All-Star players. This draft format adds a layer of strategic intrigue and allows for compelling player pairings and rivalries.

However, the biggest change for 2026 is the implementation of a target score. Moving away from the traditional quarter-based format, the game will now be played until a specific target score is reached. The exact target score will be determined prior to the game, adding a unique element of suspense and strategic play. This new scoring system is designed to eliminate the anticlimactic final minutes often seen in past All-Star Games and ensure a thrilling conclusion. Coupled with the shorter 12-minute quarters (down from 15), the game promises to be faster-paced and more action-packed.

Potential All-Stars: A Preview of the League's Elite

Predicting the full All-Star roster this far in advance is a challenging task, but several players are virtually guaranteed to be in Indianapolis. LeBron James, despite his experience, remains a dominant force and a consistent All-Star selection. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic, both former MVPs, are expected to lead their respective conferences. Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum are rapidly ascending stars and are likely to be key players for their teams. Stephen Curry, despite his age, continues to be a scoring machine and a crowd favorite.

Beyond these established names, keep an eye on emerging talents such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, and Tyrese Haliburton (playing in his home city!). The final roster will be a combination of fan voting, player selection, and coaching input, ensuring a representative and competitive field.

How to Tune In

For those unable to attend the game in person, TNT will be the primary television broadcaster. Streaming options are also plentiful, with services like Sling and Hulu offering live coverage. NBA League Pass will also provide access to the game, along with all the other All-Star Weekend events. With a variety of viewing options, fans across the globe can experience the excitement of NBA All-Star Weekend 2026 in Indianapolis.