The 56th NBA All-Star game gets underway on Sunday, and it will be broadcast starting at 8:00 p.m. EST. As usual, there is a string of additional events that begin tonight. That includes the Three-Point Shootout, and the Slam Dunk Contest.

East (+3.5) vs. West

This year's event is being held in Las Vegas, which means it will be even harder for the players to concentrate on the game. And while this game seems to have a little less meaning each year, no player wants to embarrass himself on the world stage.

The Eastern Conference has the all-time advantage, 34-21. That comes after last year's 122-120 win that saw LeBron James become the youngest All-Star game MVP.

The Starters

For the East, it is Dwyane Wade, Gilbert Arenas, LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Shaquille O'Neal.

For the West, it is Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, and to be determined.

Houston's Yao Ming was voted in at the center position for the West, but he will not play due to injury. Dirk Nowitzki and Amare Stoudemire are the two logical candidates to take his place.

That would give the West a very talented, and big front line. James will be forced to guard someone much bigger than him, although he would have a quickness advantage on the other end of the court.

The West's starting backcourt also has a size advantage, although their ball handling ability leaves something to be desired.

The Bench

The big story here is the three West players that have had to be replaced in addition to Ming. Out are Steve Nash, Allen Iverson, and Carlos Boozer. In are Josh Howard, Carmelo Anthony, Ray Allen, and Mehmet Okur.

Anthony and Howard are two guys that most people felt should be there anyway. Nash and Iverson will be missed as that leaves Tony Parker as the only pure point guard on the West roster.

The East had only one substitution, and that was Joe Johnson in for Jason Kidd. Orlando's Dwight Howard is a first time selection, and he is important as he gives some size to match up with the West. Jermaine O'Neal is the other big man off the bench for the East.

Game Summary

The West team lost last year as five point favorites, so anything can happen in this game. If I had to pick, I would take the points again.

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