NBA All-Star Game 2015: Complete Viewing Guide and Final Predictions

When it comes to entertaining All-Star showcases, not many can touch the NBA All-Star Game. Even with the lack of defense, the best in the league always provide sensational highlights and plenty to talk about following the game.

This year, several injuries have brought about changes to both lineups, but some were for the better. Kobe Bryant, Blake Griffin and several others are forced to miss the game, making room for other stars such as James Harden and LaMarcus Aldridge to step up in their place.

In the wake of those ailments, the game would appear to be much more tightly contested. The West doesn't have all of its starters but still has enough reinforcements to take down the East.

Prior to the game tipping off Sunday night, below is a look at the full viewing information and one final prediction.

2015 NBA All-Star Game Schedule

When: Sunday, Feb. 15

Where: Madison Square Garden in New York City

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET

Channel: TNT (coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET)

Live Stream: TNT Overtime

Prediction

Any East fan hoping that Carmelo Anthony will be the savior has not been paying attention. The New York Knicks superstar is still on the roster as a starter, but he's clearly not at full health.

From a marketing standpoint, it makes sense to have his start at Madison Square Garden. Unfortunately, he likely won't get a true chance to shine due to his knee injury. Following the All-Star break, the team may shut Anthony down, per Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com:

"

New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony said Thursday on ESPN Radio that it's "very likely" he will shut it down after the All-Star Game.

Anthony maintained that he plans to play in Sunday's game at Madison Square Garden, "even if it's just a few minutes"—but likely will be done playing after that.

"

After the "few minutes" of Melo, it will be interesting to see where the Eastern Conference heads next. Given the fact that Mike Budenholzer is the East's coach, either Al Horford or Paul Millsap will likely be his replacement. Both forwards are deserving of the honor, but neither is as lethal as a healthy Anthony.

The depth of the West, however, is a completely different story.

When Aldridge comes out, he will be replaced by either Kevin Durant or Tim Duncan. The replacement for Marc Gasol is DeMarcus Cousins. The backcourt will literally never thin out with Damian Lillard, Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook all fighting for time.

Ben Golliver of Sports Illustrated offered his take on what he expects to see on the court:

"

I fully expect a totally free-flowing, up-and-down, send-the-fans-home-happy type of game. I see the West’s talent advantage ([Steve] Kerr’s second unit might be better, on paper, than [Mike] Budenholzer’s starters) winning out in a wild one and setting a new record for points along the way. Too optimistic? Shouldn’t any team with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis and James Harden top at least 150?

"

One star not mentioned in that preview from Golliver was Lillard. The Portland Trail Blazers guard was initially left off the roster and only earned a spot due to injuries. He hasn't forgotten about that snub.

"I'm definitely going to take it personal," Lillard said, per Joe Freeman of The Oregonian. "I said I'd be pissed off about it. And I am. I just feel disrespected."

With several players looking to make a point, like Lillard and Durant, who have both shined this season, expect the West to trample the East. Even with stars like LeBron James and John Wall, the East simply doesn't match up well with the loaded Western Conference.

Prediction: West 154, East 141

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