The stars will be out on Sunday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Contained within its walls are a host of celestial objects, from supernovas like LeBron James and Kevin Durant to young talents such as Anthony Edwards and Paolo Banchero.
One youngster not taking part in the festivities is reigning No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs starlet has had quite the maiden year in the Alamo, but it wasn't enough to earn him enshrinement into the league's preeminent showcase of talent.
Wemby is among the league's biggest stars. So what explains his notable absence from this season's All-Star festivities?
The Sporting News explains just what kept Wemby out of the biggest (regular season) game of the year.
MORE: Everything you need to know about All-Star 2024
Is Victor Wembanyama playing in the All-Star Game tonight?
Wemby will not be taking part in Sunday's All-Star Game. He's healthy as ever, having just participated in Friday's Rising Star Challenge. The reason why? He wasn't voted into the mid-season classic.
Wembanyama is averaging 20.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 3.2 blocks and 1.1 steals through 49 games this season. He's only playing 28.4 minutes a night. Despite his hulking frame and impressive production — as well as that all-important hype — Wemby didn't receive a call for the All-Star Game.
Wemby failed to receive more All-Star votes among players, media and fans than any of the three frontcourt starters in Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Nikola Jokic. (Wembanyama finished eighth in both the player and fan vote, and 11th in the media vote.) His fate came down to the coach selection. With glittering displays throughout the conference, coaches opted against naming him a reserve.
No front-court reserves were ruled out of the game due to injury. As such, Wemby will spend his night watching the action instead of participating in it.
What time is the All-Star Game tonight?
- Date: Sunday, Feb. 18
- Time: 8 p.m. ET | 5 p.m. PT
The Eastern Conference clashes against the Western Conference on Sunday, Feb. 18. The game is scheduled to tip off around 8 p.m. ET from Indianapolis' Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
What channel is the All-Star Game on?
- Date: Sunday, Feb. 18
- TV channel: TNT
- Live stream: Sling TV
The 2024 NBA All-Star Game will air on ESPN in the United States. Sling TV offers a streaming option.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the biggest games of the 2023-24 NBA season on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Sling base packages (Sling Orange or Sling Blue) start at just $20 for your first month, or you can get Sling Orange + Blue starting at $27.50 for your first month.
There are no long-term contracts, and you can change your channel lineup anytime. DVR is included along with thousands of on-demand shows and movies
