The Pelicans (the name was changed by new team owner Tom Benson for the 2013–14 season) were awarded the All-Star Game in an announcement by commissioner David Stern on April 16, 2012.

Stephen Curry was also voted as a starter in first All-Star selection, after leading all Western Conference guards in the voting, while Kevin Love overtook Dwight Howard for the final frontcourt starting spot for the West.

[5] 1 Scott Brooks chose James Harden to start in place of the injured Kobe Bryant.

[6] Kyrie Irving scored 31 points and had 14 assists and was named the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player (MVP) to help the East stop a three-game losing streak and win 163–155 in the second highest-scoring game in All-Star history.

The West was led by Kevin Durant and Blake Griffin, who both finished with 38 points, four short of Wilt Chamberlain's All-Star record in 1962.