While names for the Dunk Contest and 3-Point Shootout had been leaking for weeks, the NBA waited until the relative last minute — five days before the event — to name the participants in the All-Star Saturday, they did it Tuesday night.
Headlining the Skills Challenge will be Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers, Thanasis and Alex, who form one of the three teams in the contest, along with Team Jazz and Team Rookies.
Next up is the highlight of the night — the 3-Point Shootout. The one event the stars still turn out for, and there are big names again this season:
• Jayson Tatum (Celticis)
• Damian Lillard (Trail Blazers)
• Lauri Markkanen (Jazz)
• Kevin Huerter (Kings)
• Tyler Herro (Heat)
• Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers)
• Buddy Hield (Pacers)
• Anfernee Simons (Trail Blazers)
The Dunk Contest caps off the night, and there were no surprises in the foursome:
• Kevin Martin Jr. (Rockets)
• Mac McClung (76ers — he just signed a two-way deal today)
• Trey Murphy III (Pelicans)
• Jericho Sims (Knicks)
All-Star Saturday night has surpassed the actual All-Star Game on Sunday in terms of watchability. It’s still more prestigious to be an All-Star, players want the honor, but Saturday night is more entertaining, more fun, and the one fans get up for. This year there’s a pretty stacked list of participants, it should have Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City rocking.
All-Star Saturday night festivities begin at 8 Eastern and are broadcast on TNT.
Check out more on All-Star Weekend
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Antetokounmpo brothers, Tatum highlight All-Star Saturday night participants originally appeared on NBCSports.com