This year’s NBA All-Star Game is scheduled to take place in New Orleans on Sunday, February 17. As of today, Kevin Garnett (Celtics), LeBron James (Cavaliers) and Dwigh Howard (Magic) lead the Eastern Conference in votes. Over in the Western Conference Kobe Bryant (Lakers) and Yao Ming (Rockets) lead the pack.

This is the NBA’s 57th All-Star game; the first All-Star game was played back on March 2, 1951 at the Boston Garden. Traditionally, the best players from the Eastern and Western Conferences are chosen by the fans. The coaches then choose the reserve players (and coaches must not vote for their own players).

The Eastern Conference All-Stars lead the all-time series 34-22. Here are the result from the last 10 All-Star games:

1997 East 132, West 120 (Glen Rice, Charlotte Hornets)
1998 East 135, West 114 Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls)
1999 Canceled–due to lockout
2000 West 137, East 126 (Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs; Shaquille O’Neal, Los Angeles Lakers)
2001 East 111, West 110 (Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers)
2002 West 135, East 120 (Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers)
2003 West 155, East 145 (2OT)(Kevin Garnett, Minnesota Timberwolves)
2004 West 136, East 132 (Shaquille O’Neal, Los Angeles Lakers)
2005 East 125, West 115 (Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers)
2006 East 122, West 120 (LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers)
2007 West 153, East 132 (Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers)

Now would be a great time to check out the NBA odds on your favorite player!