TNT to Present Exclusive Live Coverage of NBA All-Star 04 from New Orleans, Feb. -6 -

TNT will once again be the television network home for exclusive live coverage of 2014 NBA All-Star from New Orleans, Feb. 13-16, featuring the league's marquee events and unprecedented access to its biggest stars. The network will televise more than 24 hours of live, comprehensive coverage of NBA All-Star weekend culminating with the 63rd annual NBA All-Star Game presented by Kia on Sunday, Feb. 16, at 8 p.m. ET. TNT's exclusive live coverage will tip off with the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge on Friday, Feb. 14, at 9 p.m., followed by the signature State Farm All-Star Saturday Night events on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 8 p.m.

Turner Sports' coverage of the NBA All-Star Game presented by Kia will offer fans unparalleled access to the game's top talent. During the game coverage, TNT will have the most All-Star participants mic'd for sound in the event's history. TNT's All-Star Game telecast will also include a special broadcast appearance by Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, when he joins play-by-play voice Marv Albert - calling his 18th NBA All-Star Game - along with analysts Steve Kerr and Reggie Miller and reporters Craig Sager and David Aldridge, as a guest analyst during the game.

The network's All-Star Game coverage will also feature TNT analysts Grant Hill and Chris Webber embedded on the East and West benches throughout the game to provide reports and interviews during the telecast. To offer enhanced visuals and deeper levels of access during the game presentation, TNT will place a steady cam operator on the court for the first time. The mobile steady cam will be used to capture bench interactions, including those with Hill and Webber, along with player exchanges during game moments such as free throw attempts.

Additionally, TNT will utilize the innovative freeD - free dimensional video - technology at select moments during the All-Star Game telecast to provide fans a defining view of the action. Used for the first time during a live basketball broadcast, the one-of-a-kind technology uses 22, 5K ultra high definition cameras placed around the court to render unique 360-degree replays of the action. Developed by Replay Technologies, it will be used during the game and also TNT's presentation of the Sprite Slam Dunk on Saturday, Feb. 15, to showcase compelling camera views of a significant moment during competition.

We're thrilled to be working with our league partners to deliver unprecedented levels of access for our fans during this year's NBA All-Star events in New Orleans, said Craig Barry, SVP of production and executive creative director, Turner Sports. Our all-access approach and the use of new cutting-edge technology will bring our fans closer to the game and provide a special showcase for these marquee events.

Sunday's NBA All-Star Game presented by Kia will showcase the league's elite talent with the East, led by Miami's James and Dwyane Wade, New York's Carmelo Anthony, Indiana's Paul George and Cleveland's Kyrie Irving, facing the West including Bryant of the L.A. Lakers, the L.A. Clippers' Blake Griffin, Oklahoma City's Durant, Minnesota's Kevin Love and Golden State's Stephen Curry.

TNT will tip off its live coverage from New Orleans on Thursday, Feb. 13, with the Sports Emmy Award-winning Inside the NBA presented by Kia studio team of host Ernie Johnson and analysts Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O'Neal providing pre- and post-game coverage on site for the network's Thursday night doubleheader - Brooklyn at Chicago at 8 p.m., followed by Oklahoma City at the L.A. Lakers at 10:30 p.m. New Orleans native Troy Andrews - Trombone Shorty - will appear as a studio guest. TNT NBA Tip-Off Presented by AutoTrader.com will preview with action with Inside the NBA offering highlights, news and information following the night's game action.

The Inside the NBA presented by Kia team will provide pre- and post-game coverage for each of the week's All-Star events including regular appearances by analyst Chris Webber. Additionally, TNT's studio team of Johnson, Barkley, O'Neal and Smith will be integrated into TNT's State Farm All-Star Saturday Night coverage throughout the evening, serving as both in-arena and on-air broadcast hosts for each of the events.

Daily highlights for TNT's NBA All-Star coverage:

Thursday, February 13

TNT's award-winning Inside the NBA presented by Kia studio show with Johnson, Barkley, O'Neal and Smith will originate live from New Orleans, preceding the network's doubleheader action.

Thursday night doubleheader action will feature Brooklyn at Chicago at 8 p.m., followed by the L.A. Lakers hosting Oklahoma City at 10:30 p.m.

Friday, February 14

TNT will televise exclusive live coverage of the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge at 9 p.m. featuring the top young talent in the game including Philadelphia's Michael Carter-Williams, New Orleans' Anthony Davis and Portland's Damian Lillard.

Hill and Webber will serve as general managers and will draft their respective teams - consisting of rookie and sophomore players - tonight, Thursday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. during the network's one-hour pre-game show.

Matt Winer will provide play-by-play for the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge with Hill and Webber offering analysis and competitive banter during the game, along with reports by Sager.

Inside the NBA presented by Kia with Johnson, Barkley, O'Neal and Smith will provide highlights and analysis at halftime and following the game.

Saturday, February 15

Tipping off the night's coverage, TNT will televise The Big O, a one-hour special that shines a spotlight on Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson at 5 p.m. The show will feature an interview conducted by Turner

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