The
National Basketball Association (NBA)
All-Star Game is an annual exhibition
basketball game played between the
Eastern-Conference and the
Western-Conference All-Stars. It is the main event of the
NBA All-Star Weekend. Twelve players—five
starters and seven s—from each conference are chosen from a pool of 120 players—60 players from each conference with 24
guards and 24 big men (
forwards and centers)—listed on the ballots by a panel of sport writers and broadcasters. The starters are chosen by fans, who may vote using a variety of online platforms. The reserves are chosen by voting among the
head coaches of each team's particular conference. Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own players, and can select two guards, three big men, and two players regardless of positions. If a player is unable to participate due to injury, the
NBA commissioner will select a replacement. The 1999 All-Star Game was canceled due to the league's
lockout.