NBA All Star Weekend 2011 Follows Eventful First Half

NBA All Star weekend 2011 is now ready to go in LA. The NBA All Star weekend 2011 is set to be a big affair, given the setting and the players. Tonight kicks things off with the
 celebrity game and rookie challenge, while Saturday has the long awaited debut of Blake Griffin in the Slam Dunk Contest. Sunday then brings the actual game, with the East and West likely to combine for at least 300 points. After the glitz and glamour of NBA All Star weekend 2011, however, the push for the playoffs can then take center stage.

With Chicago's win over San Antonio, and Dallas's road win at Phoenix, every team is now finished with their first half. Technically, they are well into the second half, since most teams are approaching the 60 game mark in their schedule.

But the NBA All Star weekend 2011 allows the contenders to rest, although their superstars are keeping busy in Los Angeles. It comes just in time for frustrated Lakers fans, as they need a distraction from the Lakers' last three horrific losses on the road.

Kobe Bryant qualifies as the host, but after that, he has to help Los Angeles get back on track in time for the playoffs. They have turned the switch on and off for two years, yet the likes of the Spurs, Mavericks and Thunder stand to make it harder this time. Although the Spurs fell to the Bulls last night, they still have a big lead for home court advantage in the postseason.

Meanwhile, NBA All Star weekend 2011 has the Heat and Celtics joining forces, for the moment. Their respective Big 3's are temporary teammates, before they fight it out for the Eastern Conference crown. Given the Heat's three losses to the Celtics this season, Boston stands to hover over LeBron James and company, until they can meet in May.

Other first half reviews center on the endless Carmelo Anthony trade talk, Blake Griffin and Kevin Love's emergence, the Bulls being carried by Derrick Rose, and the questions over the Magic's new lineup. This year has also seen the Knicks get back to .500, the Thunder rising up the West, the Jazz losing their iconic coach, and historic ineptitude by the Cavaliers and Wizards.