NBA: the All Star Game will take place on March 7 in Atlanta

It was expected, it's official.

The NBA announces this Thursday that the All Star Game 2021 will take place on Sunday, March 7, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

For once, the all-star game and the individual competitions (skills challenge, three points and dunks) will take place on one and the same evening.

We note in particular that the dunk competition will take place at half-time of the All Star Game.

The festivities will begin at 12:30 a.m. KST.

"The NBA and the NBPA will give more than $ 2.5 million to support the HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and communities affected by COVID-19," we learned in a statement from the Association.

In terms of health and safety, there are various "additional measures to complement current protocols" and "the creation of a" mini-bubble "environment within a single hotel for players and coaches, as well. as improved PCR tests ”.

Obviously, "there will be no activities for the fans, paying events or hospitality functions", coronavirus requires ...

NBA All-Star 2021 to feature the Game and Skills competitions on one night for the first time on March 7. The NBA and NBPA are committing more than $ 2.5M toward HBCUs and provide support and awareness around equity and access to COVID-19 relief and vaccines.

A THREAD ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/doU1zWuuJq

- NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2021

Recall that the event was initially to take place in Indianapolis.

We learned last November that the capital of Indiana will have to wait until 2024, after Cleveland in 2022 and Salt Lake City in 2023. Since then, the organization of an All Star Game was uncertain.

Some voices were raised to oppose it, for various reasons, health or in terms of rest after a short off-season.

“The Atlanta NBA All-Star will continue our annual tradition of celebrating the game and the world's greatest players in front of a global audience,” said Adam Silver.

In addition to the festivities on the ground, the All-Star Game will honor the vital role HBCUs play in our communities, and focus attention and resources on helping against COVID-19, especially for the most vulnerable. "

Rudy Gobert will (probably) be there

Note that "the match will follow the same format as last year, the teams will compete to win each quarter time and will play for a final target score during the fourth quarter time not timed".

It remains to be seen who will be on the boards of Atlanta in three weeks.

First elements of response this Thursday evening, with the announcement of the holders.

They were nominated by the combination of votes from the public (50%), journalists (25%) and players (25%).

As for the replacements, it is the coaches who will decide.

Then, charge to the captains to compose their team.

At the last score, LeBron James (LA Lakers, west) and Kevin Durant (Brooklyn, east) were leading in their respective Conference.

Barring a huge (bad) surprise, the international tricolor hub Rudy Gobert should celebrate his second selection, after 2020 in Chicago.

A driving force behind the Jazz, leader in the NBA standings, he will undoubtedly be selected among the replacements.

His club coach, Quin Snyder, should also be at the head of one of the two teams.  

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