Toronto Raptors' DeMar DeRozan drives against Cleveland Cavaliers' J.R. Smith in the third quarter in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. (Photo : Getty Images/Vaughn Ridley)
New Orleans will the host of this year's NBA All-Star festivities, which will be highlighted by the All-Star Game that will feature the league's best players such as LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant among others. And just as the teams from both the Eastern and Western Conference, the performers during the event will be star-studded as well.
It has been confirmed on XXL Mag report that iconic hip-hop group The Root and world renowned balladeer John Legend will be performing during the All-Star Game, with the former serving as the opening act while the latter will be singing during the halftime show.
The Root made a name for themselves in the hip-hop scene, producing 17 albums to date, with their latest one "And Then Shoot Your Cousin" released in 2014. Meanwhile, John Legend released his latest album entitled "Darkness and Light" this month. He has been one of the best singer/songwriters over the last decade.
Last year, Drake highlighted the performers during the All-Star Game which was held in Toronto. The Western All-Stars, which were led by Russell Westbrook defeated the Eastern All-Stars 196-173 in the highest scoring All-Star game in NBA history.
This year, familiar faces are expected to represent both conferences yet again, with the Golden State Warriors' Big Three of Curry, Durant, and Klay Thompson headlining the Western Conference. Oklahoma City Thunder's Westbrook, Houston Rockets' James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers' Blake Griffin and Chris Paul, San Antonio Spurs Kawhi Leonard, and Sacramento Kings' Demarcus Cousins among the names who are likely to fill the roster.
As for the Eastern Conference, James and Kyrie Irving from the reigning NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers are solid locks. They will most likely be joined by Chicago Bulls' Jimmy Butler, New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony, Toronto Raptors' DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, Detroit Pistons' Andre Drummond, Miami Heat's Hassan Whiteside, and Indiana Pacers' Paul George.
CBS made predictions when it comes to possible teams and players' performances in the 2017 Eastern Conference but some expect that Karl Anthony-Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Kristaps Porzingis of the New York Knicks will headline the batch of the first-time All-Stars.
The All-Star Weekend will begin on Feb. 17, 2016 and will conclude with the All-Star Game on the 19th.
