With the 2008 NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans approaching, I've decided to make a few predictions on how I think this weeks festivities will go:

All-Star Game:  Winner: Western Conference  MVP: Kobe. The most talented player in the game today will go for his second straight All-Star Game MVP Award, as the West will demolish the East

Foot Locker 3-point Shootout: Contestants: Kobe Bryant, Jason Kapono, Richard Hamilton, Daniel Gibson, Steve Nash, Peja Stojakovic. Winner: As much as I will hope and pray it will be Kobe Bryant, who is my favorite player, I believe it will be Peja, who is lights out from three.

PlayStation Skills Challenge: Contestants: Jason Kidd, Chris Paul, Dwayne Wade, Deron Williams. Winner: Dwayne Wade, but only barely.  The two-time defending champ will go for his third straight, but it wont be easy.

Sprite Slam Dunk Contest: Contestants: Rudy Gay, Gerald Green, Dwight Howard, Jamario Moon. Winner: Dwight Howard.  His athletic ability, size, and creativity will help him overthrow defending champion, Gerald Green.

T-Mobile Rookie Challenge: Winner: Sophomores  MVP: Brandon Roy.  He is one of the premiere players in the NBA and will lead the sophomores to the victory

D-League All-Star Game:  Winner: Blue Team MVP: Morris Almond. Almond will light up the scoreboard just as he has done throughout the season