The NBA All-Star game — unofficial motto: better than the Pro Bowl, worse than baseball’s All-Star game — tips off in a little more than an hour. There will probably not be any cupcake dunks, but there will be plenty of offense.

Kobe Bryant is expected to play; otherwise, he would have to sit out the Lakers’ first game after the break.

Kevin Garnett will not play, though he could be back for the Celtics as soon as Tuesday. Jerome James? He won’t be playing, either. He’s too busy counting his money and laughing all the way to the bank, as THE LEGEND OF CECILIO GUANTE points out.

More than anything, I think the break and this game offer a chance to evaluate the state of the NBA. I’d be hard-pressed to name a favorite to win it all right now. Detroit. Boston. Los Angeles. San Antonio. Dallas. Phoenix. Etc. It’s going to be fun, if you like that sort of thing.

Speaking of which, my time is up today. The time flies. These kids, they grow up so fast. Hope you enjoyed it.