Tyrese Maxey’s All-Star Moment: A New Era for the NBA’s Showcase
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey is set to shine as he makes his All-Star Game debut tonight, marking a significant moment in his burgeoning career. The NBA All-Star Game is undergoing yet another transformation, moving from TNT to NBC and adopting a fresh U.S. players versus the world format. This change coincides with the anticipation for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, signaling a strategic shift in the league’s presentation.
A New Format and a Return to NBC
For the fourth consecutive season, the NBA is experimenting with a new All-Star Game format. This year’s iteration pits Team USA against a team comprised of players from around the globe. The game will air live on NBC, with tipoff from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles expected around 5 p.m. Eastern Time. This marks NBC’s first broadcast of the All-Star Game since 2002, a return facilitated by the league’s new 11-year, $76 billion media rights deal.
Maxey Makes History
Tyrese Maxey’s selection is particularly noteworthy. He’s the first Sixers player to participate in the 3-Point Contest since Kyle Korver in 2005 and the first Sixers guard to start an All-Star Game since the legendary Allen Iverson in 2010. His journey to this point, beginning with an unexpected arrival in Philadelphia in 2020, is a testament to his dedication and talent.
Embiid’s Absence and Edgecombe’s Rise
While Maxey is set to take center stage, seven-time All-Star Joel Embiid will be absent due to a sore right knee. Despite his absence, Embiid remains a dominant force, playing at an All-Star level even while recovering. Rookie VJ Edgecombe also made a splash during the Rising Stars competition, earning MVP honors with a stellar performance, including a game-winning shot.
How to Watch the 2024 NBA All-Star Game
Here’s how you can catch all the action:
- Date & Time: Sunday, February 18th, 5:00 PM EST
- TV Channel: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock, Hulu With Live TV, DirecTV Stream, Sling TV, YouTube TV
- Local Philadelphia: NBC10 (with a digital antenna)
Broadcast Team
Noah Eagle, a rising star in sports broadcasting, will be calling the game alongside NBA legends Carmelo Anthony and Reggie Miller. Zora Stephenson and Ashley ShahAhmadi will provide courtside reporting.
The Tournament Format Explained
This year’s All-Star Game isn’t just a single contest; it’s a tournament. Three teams – USA Stars, USA Stripes, and World – will compete in a round-robin series. The top two teams will then advance to a championship game. The schedule is as follows:
- Game 1: Stars vs. World, 5:00 PM EST
- Game 2: Stripes vs. Game 1 Winner, 5:55 PM EST
- Game 3: Stripes vs. Game 1 Loser, 6:25 PM EST
- Championship Game: 7:10 PM EST
Declining Viewership and the Future of the All-Star Game
Despite the star power on display, All-Star Game viewership has been declining in recent years, mirroring a broader trend in television. Last year’s game on TNT averaged 4.72 million viewers, down from 7.614 million a decade ago. However, the return to broadcast television on NBC is expected to boost ratings, potentially exceeding 6 million viewers. Even other All-Star games are seeing a decline, with the NFL’s Pro Bowl drawing just 2 million viewers in 2026.
Sixers Post-All-Star Break Schedule
The Sixers will resume their season with a challenging schedule:
- Feb. 19: Hawks at Sixers, 7 p.m. (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
- Feb. 21: Sixers at Pelicans, 7 p.m. (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
- Feb. 22: Sixers at Timberwolves, 7 p.m. (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
- Feb. 24: Sixers at Pacers, 7 p.m. (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
- Feb. 26: Heat at Sixers, 7 p.m. (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
- Mar. 1: Sixers at Celtics, 6 p.m. (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
- Mar. 3: Spurs at Sixers, 8 p.m. (NBC, 97.5 The Fanatic)
With Embiid’s health a concern and limited moves at the trade deadline, the Sixers will need to rely on Maxey’s leadership and the continued development of young players to maintain their playoff position.
