All-Star Weekend kicks off with excitement as the Ruffles All-Star Celebrity Game at 7 PM ET and Castrol Rising Stars at 9 PM ET take center stage. Here’s your essential guide to this thrilling weekend in The Bay Area.
5 Highlights in Today’s Edition 🌟
Date: February 14, 2025
NBA All-Star 2025: A speedy rundown of one of the year’s most exhilarating weekends.
Castrol Rising Stars: Catch tonight’s high-stakes showdown at 9 PM ET on TNT.
Ruffles Celebrity Game: Fans can watch stars like Kai Cenat, Shaboozey, Druski, and Noah Kahan at 7 PM ET on ESPN.
Meet The Dunkers, Pt. 4: Mac McClung makes a bid for AT&T Slam Dunk history this Saturday.
Thursday Highlights: The Wolves dominate the Thunder, with thrilling wins by the Mavs and Dubs, plus two exciting overtime battles.
1. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ALL-STAR WEEKEND IN THE BAY
Basketball and the Bay Area share more than just their initials; they are seamlessly intertwined, making for an All-Star celebration to remember.
Here’s the scoop: Friday night is buzzing with activity. The Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game kicks off at the Oakland Arena at 7 PM ET on ESPN, followed by Castrol Rising Stars at Chase Center at 9 PM ET on TNT.
Tomorrow, brace yourself for State Farm All-Star Saturday Night at 8 PM ET on TNT, featuring three crowd-pleasers.
* The Kia Skills Challenge opens the night with Team Warriors squaring off against Team Cavs, Team Spurs, and Team Rooks.
* The Starry 3-Point Contest includes two-time champion and local favorite Damian Lillard aiming for a third win. He will face competitors like Jalen Brunson, Cade Cunningham, and others.
* AT&T Slam Dunk Contest closes the evening with Mac McClung attempting history against fierce contenders.
The Weekend Finale: The 74th All-Star Game on Sunday introduces a novel 4-team, 3-game mini-tournament at Chase Center (8 PM ET, TNT).
* Semifinal 1: Kenny’s Young Stars vs. Chuck’s Global Stars
* Semifinal 2: Shaq’s OGs take on Candace’s Rising Stars
* Championship: The two semifinal winners face off.
2. HIGH STAKES AT CASTROL RISING STARS
Three teams have secured their positions for Sunday’s All-Star Game: Kenny’s Young Stars, Chuck’s Global Stars, and Shaq’s OGs, each with eight All-Stars.
However, who will claim the fourth spot?
For the first time, this coveted position will be awarded to tonight’s victor in the Castrol Rising Stars competition (9 PM ET, TNT).
* Format Explained: Like the All-Star Game, Rising Stars unfolds through a four-team single-elimination playoff culminating in a final showdown.
* Teams Consist Of: NBA rookies and sophomores a part of three teams drafted by honorary coaches Tim Hardaway Sr., Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin.
* G League Talent: A fourth team features players from the G League, led by honorary coach Jeremy Lin.
* Target Scores: Semifinals end when a team reaches 40 points. The finals will also feature a target score, set at 25 points.
* Sunday Awaits: Tonight’s champion advances as ‘Candace’s Rising Stars’ at the ASG, under the guidance of honorary GM, Candace Parker.
3. CELEBRITY SHOWCASE: RUFFLES ALL-STAR CELEBRITY GAME TONIGHT
The stage is set for the Ruffles All-Star Celebrity Game at 7 PM ET from Oakland Arena on ESPN.
Featuring a blend of sports icons and entertainment stars, this game promises plenty of flair and skill.
* Hollywood Faces: Rome Flynn, Danny Ramirez, and Oliver Stark, along with other notable actors, hit the court.
* Musical Talents: Artists like Noah Kahan and Shaboozey join the fun.
* Athletic Legends: Former Warriors stars Baron Davis and Matt Barnes, alongside a diverse lineup of athletes from various sports, participate.
* Popular Creators: Expect Druski and Kai Cenat to add their unique charm to the game.
Epic Coaching Showdown: Baseball legend Barry Bonds partners with 2 Chainz, pitted against Jerry Rice and comedian Khaby Lame in a battle of wits.
4. MEET THE DUNKERS, PT. 4: MAC McCLUNG
5. THURSDAY RECAP: BIG WINS AND OVER TIME THRILLS
The Wolves clinched a notable 116-101 victory against the Thunder, suffocating them well below their usual scoring pace. Anthony Edwards and Naz Reid were instrumental in securing this win.