NBA All-Star Weekend: Starting 5 Preview & Key Highlights
The Los Angeles Clippers stayed hot as Kawhi Leonard exploded for 41 points, while the New York Knicks reclaimed second place in the East with a dominant win over Boston. All of this unfolds just days before the 2026 NBA All‑Star festivities kick off at the Intuit Dome.
All‑Star Weekend Preview
The 75th NBA All‑Star Game opens on Friday, February 13, with a fan‑friendly Celebrity Game at the Kia Forum and the Castrol Rising Stars competition at the Intuit Dome (Peacock doubleheader).
All‑Star rosters have been divided into three squads: USA Stars (younger U.S. All‑Stars), USA Stripes (veteran U.S. All‑Stars) and Team World (international players). The three teams will play a round‑robin of four 12‑minute games, ending with a winner‑take‑all final (new format details).
Draft results for the Rising Stars saw Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and VJ Edgecombe selected with the top three picks (full draft). Honorary coaches include Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter and Austin Rivers, who leads a G League squad.
State Farm’s 3‑Point Contest will feature Devin Booker, Kon Knueppel, Damian Lillard, Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, Jamal Murray, Bobby Portis and Norman Powell. The AT&T Slam Dunk Contest includes Carter Bryant, Jaxson Hayes, Keshad Johnson and Jase Richardson.
Before the official festivities, Los Angeles will host the PlayStation NBA Creator Cup, a 3v3 tournament at the LA Convention Center (details).
Sunday’s Game‑Day Highlights
The Knicks silenced the Celtics 111‑89, snapping Boston’s five‑game win streak. Jalen Brunson poured in 31 points and eight assists, while Josh Hart added 19. Karl‑Anthony Towns recorded a double‑double (11 points, 10 rebounds) and rookie Jose Alvarado contributed 12 points, two assists and two steals in his Knicks debut.
New York’s defense, which leads the NBA in defensive rating, held Boston to just 17.1% from three‑point range (7‑of‑41). Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 26 points and remains fourth in the league in scoring (29.4 ppg).
On the West Coast, Kawhi Leonard delivered a two‑way masterclass, scoring 41 points with eight rebounds and four steals as the Clippers beat the Wolves 115‑96. It was Leonard’s fourth 40‑point outing of the 2025‑26 season, the most he has recorded in a single campaign. He has been averaging 30.5 ppg since Dec. 20, lifting his season average to a career‑best 28 ppg on 19.7 field‑goal attempts per game.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue praised Leonard’s aggressiveness: “Him getting to his spots was huge for us. Once he gets to his spots, he’s hard to guard.”
Toronto’s Raptors defeated Indiana 122‑104 behind Scottie Barnes (25 pts, 14 reb, 6 ast, 4 blk). Miami’s Heat rolled past Washington 132‑101, with Bam Adebayo (22 pts, 8 reb, 5 stl) and Kel’el Ware (19 pts, 14 reb) leading the way.
Trade‑Deadline Ripple Effects
James Harden’s move to Cleveland proved immediate, as he posted 23 points and eight assists in his first game with the Cavs. Darius Garland joined the Clippers, offering speed and shot‑creation despite a lingering foot injury.
Jaren Jackson Jr. Debuted for Utah, scoring 22 points alongside Lauri Markkanen’s 27. Luke Kennard’s first game with the Lakers produced 10 points while shooting 50% from three‑point range.
Jose Alvarado energized the Knicks in his debut with 12 points, two assists and two steals. Nikola Vučević contributed 11 points, six rebounds and a block in his first outing for Boston. Anthony Davis, now with Washington, remains sidelined with hand and groin injuries but is expected to provide veteran leadership once healthy.
All of these moves are already shaping team dynamics as the regular season heads toward its final stretch.
East Heat: Hornets’ Streak and Detroit Defense
Charlotte’s Hornets have won nine straight games, tying the franchise’s second‑longest winning streak. The young core of Brandon Miller (21 ppg), LaMelo Ball (18.2 ppg) and rookie Kon Knueppel (18 ppg) have combined for 57.2 ppg, each shooting over 37% from deep.
The Hornets rank first in offensive rating and fifth in defensive rating. They recently added Coby White, who averaged 18.6 ppg in 2025‑26, to bolster their backcourt.
Tonight they will attempt a 10th consecutive win against the East‑leading Pistons, who boast the league’s second‑best defensive rating and feature first‑time All‑Star Jalen Duren.
West Race: Young Stars and Veteran Resurgence
Cooper Flagg has surged to the top of the Kia Rookie Ladder, posting a league‑high 33 ppg over his last five games and becoming the youngest player to record four straight 30‑point outings. He also matches Michael Jordan’s 1985 feat of four straight 30‑point, 5‑rebound games.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, leading the West at 40‑13, rely on their league‑best defense (107.9 ppg allowed) as Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander recovers from an abdominal injury. First‑time All‑Star Chet Holmgren continues to excel (17.7 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2 bpg).
Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs sit second in the West, having opened February with 23 pts, 11 reb and 3.3 blk in each of four wins. Nikola Jokić, back from a 16‑game absence, averages 24.6 pts, 12.4 reb and 8.8 ast, and has moved past Oscar Robertson for second‑most career triple‑doubles, now 26 shy of Russell Westbrook’s record.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new format for the 2026 NBA All‑Star Game?
The All‑Star Game will feature a U.S. vs World mini‑tournament. Players are split into three teams—USA Stars, USA Stripes and Team World—and will compete in a round‑robin of four 12‑minute games, followed by a winner‑take‑all final.
How many 40‑point games has Kawhi Leonard recorded this season?
Leonard has recorded four 40‑point games in the 2025‑26 season, the most he has achieved in a single campaign.
Which team leads the NBA in defensive rating?
The New York Knicks lead the NBA in defensive rating, a statistic they have maintained during a nine‑game winning streak.
Which storyline are you most excited to follow as the All‑Star weekend approaches?