NBA All-Star Saturday Night TV schedule and open thread

It says something for tonight's NBA All-Star events, many of which have inspired as many tired eye-rolls as dropped jaws in recent years, that the fields for the different events are frequently being described as "special." There's a Shooting Stars team going for a three-peat, a bunch of young sensations gunning for titles in the Skills Challenge and Dunk Contest, and a Three-Point Contest contender riding a historically good season. There's going to be plenty to take in tonight, so here's a guide to make sure you don't miss a thing. Then when things get underway, come join us as we watch the members of the Milwaukee Bucks taking part.

6:00 p.m. CT - Commissioner Adam Silver Press Conference - NBA TV

For those of you interested in some of the behind-the-scenes stuff, Adam Silver will deliver his yearly address prior to the main events tipping off. There won't necessarily be a ton of substantive info, but it wouldn't be surprising (given Silver's unabashed approach to the job so far) to see topics like draft reform or conference imbalance get a few nods.

7:00 p.m. CT - TNT NBA Tip-Off - TNT

The crew from TNT's studio show are sure to be pumped up for tonight's events. Or they're going to be complaining all night. Either way, they'll be vocal.

7:30 p.m. CT - NBA All-Star Saturday Night - TNT

The big show begins at 8:30 with each event unfolding one-by-one.

First up is the Shooting Stars competition, where Chris Bosh is seeking a third-consecutive win with his teammates Dominique Wilkins and Swin Cash of the WNBA's New York Liberty.

Second is the Skills Challenge featuring Milwaukee's Brandon Knight. Eight players will face off in four head-to-head matchups in a tournament-style contest until a winner is crowned. Knight's opening-round opponent is Trey Burke of the Utah Jazz.

Next is the Three-Point Contest which boasts one of the most loaded lineups ever, headlined by the Atlanta Hawks' Kyle Korver and Golden State Warriors teammates Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

Closing things out is the Slam Dunk Contest, where Giannis Antetokounmpo will try to take the top prize from a field of exciting young players. Competing against him are Victor Oladipo, Mason Plumlee, and Zach LaVine.