Brush up on your NBA for the weekend festivities

Ron Kantowski, Las Vegas Sun

Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007 | 7:18 a.m.

Introducing the first Tostitos Manute Bol/Slick Watts NBA All-Star Game Quiz and Extravaganza presented by Dr. Pepper. Or, as I like to call it, something interactive you can do in relation to NBA All-Star weekend that won't cost $20.

1. Blowing smoke near the Thomas & Mack Center is a sure sign that:

A: The pregame fireworks show will be spectacular.

B: There's another forest fire raging in Southern California.

C: NBA Hall-of-Famer Rick Barry is reminding everybody how great he was.

2. Which will be in shortest supply during All-Star weekend?

A: A cheap ticket.

B: A Ghostbar line pass.

C: Defense.

3. Most unintelligible conversation emanating from the Thomas & Mack Center on Sunday will be because of:

A: Poor cell phone reception.

B: A glitch in the public address system.

C: Dirk Nowitzki and Mehmet Okur arguing about whose man just scored.

4. Which two-word expression will be uttered by the most All-Stars this weekend?

A: I'm honored.

B: I'm open.

C: I'm wasted.

5. Out-of-town fans hoping to enjoy a positive All-Star experience would be wise to:

A: Avoid ticket brokers.

B: Avoid driving to the arena.

C: Avoid Dennis Rodman.

6. Wide smiles up and down the Strip this weekend most likely means:

A: Mayor Oscar Goodman is making the rounds.

B: Gilbert Arenas is signing free autographs.

C: Charles Barkley is headed for the craps table.

7. During All-Star weekend, the number 1.8 will be used most often in conjunction with:

A: Kobe Bryant's assist average.

B: Shaquille O'Neal's free-throw percentage.

C: The blood-alcohol content of the average NBA partygoer.

8. One of the most pertinent questions asked during All-Star weekend is sure to be:

A. Why do tickets cost so much?

B: Why is traffic standing still?

C: Why would anyone name their kid Chauncey?

9. The sound of wailing sirens in the distance can only mean:

A: Another Democratic presidential candidate is receiving a police escort.

B: Two more All-Star parties have gotten out of hand.

C: Three more West All-Stars have gone down injured.

10. NBA fans interested in the arts should check out:

A: Steve Wynn's art collection at Wynn Las Vegas.

B: Neil Leifer's photographs at Caesars Palace.

C: The tattoos on Allen Iverson's arms.

11. The key to throwing a successful All-Star party is:

A: Getting Jay-Z to host it.

B: Getting Wolfgang Puck to cater it.

C: Getting the Indiana Pacers off the invited guest list.

12. Fans lucky enough to get a ticket to the

All-Star Game will be most in awe of:

A: Kobe Bryant's shooting touch.

B: Vince Carter's leaping ability.

C: Tony Parker's fiancee.

13. Which reaction best describes Las Vegas' reaction to landing the NBA All-Star Game?

A: "I love this game."

B: "I wish I could bet this game."

C: "Just be glad it isn't hockey."

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