The time to bring out the "ooohs" and "ahhhs" is nearly upon us, as the NBA All-Star weekend is quickly approaching. The fact that it is the All-Star game is exciting enough, but to hold the festivities in Las Vegas this year promises to make it a weekend to remember.

The NBA All-Star game stands out when compared to any other professional sport's All-Star competitions because it is the most exciting and unpredictable. You never know who is going to be brought out for the dunk competition, or who will throw themselves an alley-oop off the backboard during the game.

It is this excitement that draws the NBA fans to the beautiful sport of basketball.

With that in mind, here is a look at each of the big events held during All-Star weekend; as well as a little test of my psychic capabilities of what might happen.

Rookie-Sophomore Challenge

Over the years, the Rookie-Sophomore Challenge has been an opportunity for young, budding stars to prove that age means nothing if you have skills. This year's crop has major potential on both sides of the ball.

For the Rookies, watch for Andrea Bargnani of my hometown Toronto Raptors to raise a few eyebrows;. Also, look for Memphis' rookie Rudy Gay to try and jump over as many players as he possibly can.

For the Sophomores, Deron Williams and Chris Paul have tendencies to break the ankles of whoever is defending them, so you might see some street-ball tactics demonstrated by these two young men.

This game will be a high-scoring, exciting variety of basketball, with the victory going to the Rookies. The MVP will also be from the rookie team, and the pick here is Andrea Bargnani. Why? Because only an avid Toronto Raptors fan knows what this young man is capable of doing, as he will demonstrate to the world.

Slam Dunk Competition

This is probably the most exciting event to watch the entire weekend. Reputations are made in this competition, but they can also make a player look one-dimensional.

This year's four combatants are: Dwight Howard, a center for the Orlando Magic; Tyrus Thomas, a rookie from the Chicago Bulls; Gerald Green, a Boston Celtic who came jumping right out of high school; and last year's defending champion -- the proof that good things come in small packages -- Nate Robinson.

Howard is one of the most, if not the most, dominant centers in the league, and there is no doubt that the man can jump out of the building. However, one cannot help but think that he will fair just as Amare Stoudemire did last year, which was good, but also proved that big men should not be put in the dunk competition, even if it is a big man as talented as

Thomas was recently fined by the Chicago Bulls for $10,000 after he stated in an interview that he was only doing the Slam Dunk Competition for the money. The rookie will have to learn he can't say those things, and it's unfortunate, because he is a very good basketball player and can also "get up" with the best of them. No matter, he is not going to win this year.

Robinson's performance last year would make even the most timid NBA fan jump around. And, his Spud Webb routine was classic. At 5'9”, his one-slam dunk championship will be remembered for a long time, but it will be the only one he wins.

So, by process of elimination…

Green is the pick to win the dunk competition for the 2007 season. In high school, Green won the dunk competition, and he has proven in the NBA that his leaping ability is no joke. Look for him to do something spectacular at this year's competition.

Three-Point Competition

Dirk Nowitzki has proven himself to be one of the most well-rounded players in the NBA. He can dominate in the post, or shoot from anywhere on the court, and that is why he was the 2006 NBA Three-Point Champion. However, that chapter of Dirk's stellar career will close once the 2007 Competition rolls around.

The list of player's that will attempt to take the title from Nowitzki include: Gilbert Arenas, a legitimate MVP contender; Damon Jones, one of the most clutch three-point shooters in the league (he would be the first one to tell you that); Jason Kapono, who leads the league in three-point percentage with .559%; Mike Miller, who is really starting to find his game in Memphis; and Dirk's partner in crime, Jason Terry, who can shoot with the best of them.

This year will be a close finish, but watch for the dark horse in the competition to prevail this time. Kapono has nothing to lose, whereas the other players may let their foolish pride get in the way of their goal.

All-Star Game

The accumulation of all the excitement and anticipation will culminate with the All-Star game on Sunday February 18 at 8:00 p.m.

Standouts on the East squad will be Shaquille O'Neal, Dwayne Wade, also known as "Flash," and Gilbert Arenas, who, arguably, seems to have the best set of hands in the NBA.

For the West, look for Amare Stoudemire to jump over a few individuals, and look for the pass to come from Steve Nash. Also, look for Allen Iverson to bring his rejuvenated self into Las Vegas to prove he can still dominate. Oh yeah, and then there is also some guy named Kobe Bryant? He can do what he wants with the ball at anytime. (I wonder what will happen with him and "Shaq" at tip-off?)

The winner of the 2007 All-Star game is tough to decide, but it may come down to Wade or Arenas hitting a crucial shot in order to separate the East from the West. With regards to the MVP, look for Wade of the Miami Heat to take home the trophy. He is one of the most, if not the most, exciting players in the NBA at the moment.

NBA All-Star weekend is quickly approaching, and with the weekend comes many great events and expectations. The NBA All-Star festivities are second to none compared to other professional sports, and one that basketball fans look forward to every season.

It is also a weekend when that age old saying, "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas," will be over-ruled, as basketball fans around the globe prepare to watch the best athletes in the world put on a show that even Vegas has never seen before.