Jeremy Bauman: Most years, probably because it’s always on a Saturday night, I don’t pay much attention to the Dunk Contest’s 
live telecast. I’ve had so many conflicts with All-Star Saturday in the past, but this year is different.
As a result of being in Houston for All-Star Weekend, I plan on intently watching the Dunk Contest, even if it doesn’t include any All-Stars.
I’m just excited to see a high quality dunk contest in person. I’ve seen street ball dunk contests, high school dunk contests, All-American dunk contests, even.
But I’ve never seen a live NBA Dunk Contest. Whether it includes LeBron James or Gerald Green, one thing remains the same: These guys have hops, and they’re trying to put on a show. Hopefully it’s a good one.
PS: I’ve got the Raptors Terrence Ross taking it home.
Maxwell Ogden: The Slam Dunk Contest is going to be breathtaking with YouTube dunk legends Gerald Green and James White. The Skills Challenge always blows my mind and creates a new respect for the players involved. With that being said, there is nothing more enticing about All-Star Weekend than the Three-Point Contest.
Ryan Anderson, Stephen Curry and Steve Novak are the three best 3-point shooters in the NBA, and all three are entered. Throw in Kyrie Irving, Paul George and Matt Bonner and you have the makings of a classic battle.
Ben Baroff: Remember when Kyrie Irving did this to Team USA this past summer when he was a member of the select team?
That footage put Irving on the map. Think about how big of a deal it would have been had he been doing that on national TV the entire time?
That’s what we’re getting this weekend in Houston: a front row seat to the Kyrie Irving Show.
Irving is in a participant in an event each night – the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday, Three-Point Contest on Saturday and the All-Star Game on Sunday, which he will likely get a good chunk of playing time due to the lack of point guards on the East’s roster.
Irving is a special player that doesn’t get to showcase his talents to a national audience very often. Surely he won’t let this opportunity slip away.
Lay-it-up: Which team outside the playoff picture has the best shot at making the postseason?