2026 NBA All-Star weekend preview: Dunks, stars and more - ESPN

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game, taking place at the Intuit Dome near Los Angeles, will tip off Friday with a plethora of superstar players arriving for a jam-packed weekend.

Some fresh new faces of the league get things started with the Rising Stars showcase Friday. With No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg out through the All-Star break with injury, the young troupe will be headlined by Rookie of the Year contender Kon Knueppel.

On Saturday, the league's top-tier talents will demonstrate their skills in the 3-point shoot-off, shooting stars competition and slam dunk contest. Most notably, Damian Lillard will participate in the 3-point contest despite an Achilles injury that has kept him out the entire season. The two-time 3-point champion will be challenged by Donovan Mitchell, who leads the league in 3-pointers made, along with other sharpshooters, including Tyrese Maxey and Devin Booker.

Finally, on Sunday, three star-stacked teams will take the stage in a new format that rosters American players against international players. Can Victor Wembanyama lead Team World against Kevin Durant and Team Stripes? Or will Anthony Edwards spoil the fun leading Team Stars?

Our NBA insiders gave a sneak preview of what to watch heading into the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend, including who they pick to win each event.

Expert picks were voted on by a panel of NBA insiders.

Rising Stars | Saturday skills | USA vs. World tournament

There will be a Cooper Flagg-shaped void in this event, with a foot sprain sidelining 2025's No. 1 pick for the duration of the weekend. Plus, former No. 2 pick Alex Sarr will be absent from Friday's faceoffs after sustaining a right hamstring strain, which will keep him out for two weeks. The game should still be a fun