ALL-STAR VOTING OPENS THURSDAY ... BUT WILL THE GAME BE PLAYED?

How many of the current Nets should be All-Stars? And will the game actually be played?

The league opened All-Star voting Thursday but as of now, it’s uncertain —and really unlikely— that the game will be played. But a number of NBA contracts contain bonuses of up to seven figures for making the team, including Kevin Durant’s. He’ll make an extra million dollars if (when?) he’s named to his 11th All-Star team. Voting as usual can be cast in a variety of ways from now through midnight on February 16 with starters announced two days later and reserves February 23.

Adrian Wojnarowski reported the NBA and NBPA are currently discussing holding an All-Star Game in the break between the first and second halves of the season, which runs from March 5 and 10. No word on where it would be played or under what health and safety conditions.

Whether the game will be played or be merely ceremonial, the Nets are likely to wind up with multiple players selected. After all, the Nets roster includes four players who’ve been named to previous games a total of 25 times! Durant has been named to 10 All-Star teams, James Harden eight, Kyrie Irving six and DeAndre Jordan, one. KD has been the MVP of the mid-season classic twice and Irving once.

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. Here’s the link to a summary of how you can vote...

There’s been no indication that the skills competition and rookie challenge will be held.