2024 NBA All-Star Game: Top questions after starters named - ESPN

The starting lineups for the 2023-24 NBA All-Star Game have been unveiled, and there will be plenty of big names and marquee matchups on Feb. 18 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

LeBron James made history by being named to his 20th All-Star Game, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most All-Star nods in NBA history. He'll be joined on the Western Conference squad by Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

In the East, Giannis Antetokounmpo will team with Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, Bucks guard Damian Lillard and Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton.

The 73rd edition of the event — hosted by the Pacers — will be a return to the traditional Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference format. LeBron and Antetokounmpo are the captains.

After Thursday's announcement, there remains plenty to break down: Which side will win? Which players were overlooked? Whose selection was the most surprising? Is the return of the East vs. West format actually a good thing?

Our NBA insiders answer the biggest questions.

Andrew Lopez: Damian Lillard getting to be a first-time starter this late into his NBA career is great and he's deserving, but Donovan Mitchell could have certainly been the backcourt starter alongside Tyrese Haliburton. Mitchell, who has missed nine games this season, has done his part to keep the Cleveland Cavaliers in the top four of the Eastern Conference despite injuries to Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, who each have missed half the season. Mitchell is scoring 27.6 points per game (above his career average of 24.8 points), while posting career