The National Basketball Association is scheduled to host the All-Star Game on Sunday, March 7, 2021. The All-Star Game is hosted every year in February by the NBA, having both competing teams accommodate 24 of the league’s star players. The event has traditionally been a three-day event which goes from Friday to Sunday. In this case, from March 5 to 7, 2021. The Boston Garden was credited with hosting the first All-Star game on March 2, 1951. The State Farm Arena is the host for this year’s game.

The league mentions that the purpose of the All-Star Game is to raise more morale amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, but the majority of the fans, the residents of Atlanta more especially do not feel the same- the mayor of Atlanta inclusive. People’s concern is how 24 games in the season have been postponed by the NBA due to health and safety protocols, but have made plans for an All-Star Game, disregarding the same reasons for which those games were cancelled in the first place.

“I have zero energy and zero excitement about an All-Star game this year,” LA Lakers captain, LeBron James said. “I don’t even understand why we’re having an All-Star Game.”

Each competing side altogether is made of 12 players. Players who make the starting line-up of both conference sides are chosen by votes from the media, fans, as well as the NBA players themselves. The NBA commissioner in the event of a selected player getting injured, selects a replacement. Two players with the most votes get to be captains for both sides and get to form their teams choosing from the group of available players. Head coaches also have the privilege of choosing seven reserve players but with an exception; they cannot vote for players in their own teams

“Personally, I would much rather stay home with my wife and my kids,” said Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone. “This schedule has been so dense; you don’t really have time for your families.”

The game will be played between the East and West teams, with potential start up players for the West being: LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis and Lillard. With regards to the East’s starting line-up, there are: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Embiid, Bradley Beal, Brown and LaVine. Despite these great crops of players, the major of Atlanta is cautioning people not to “come party”.

“I have shared my concerns related to public health and safety with the NBA and Atlanta Hawks,” said Atlanta Mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms. “We are in agreement that this is a made-for-TV event only, and people should not travel to Atlanta to party.”