2021 NBA All-Star Game: Dates for Starter, Reserve Roster Reveals and Fan Voting

The NBA announced Wednesday that voting for the 2021 All-Star Game will begin at noon ET on Thursday, Jan. 28 and continue until 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 16.

All-Star starters will be announced Feb. 18, with reserves coming Feb. 23. It remains unclear if the NBA will play an actual All-Star game in 2021, or if this will be a ceremonial selection.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the NBA and NBPA are currently discussing holding an All-Star Game in March.

All-Star starters are selected by a combination of fans (50 percent of the formula), players (25 percent) and media (25 percent). Reserves are selected by NBA coaches. 

Even if the All-Star Game itself is not played, the selection process can be important for players in reaching potential bonuses and escalators in their contracts. 

Wojnarowski's report said the league's current consideration would be to hold an All-Star Game in Atlanta that includes benefits to HBCUs and COVID-19 relief.

The All-Star Game has changed its format several times in recent years to create a more competitive environment, instituting a fantasy draft-style team selection and introducing a target score ending. The latter change produced one of the most competitive All-Star Games in recent memory last year, as players ramped up the competitiveness once the target score neared.

Given the outbreaks across the NBA and difficulty the league has had getting a full slate of games played on a nightly basis, however, playing an All-Star Game seems unlikely.