Pistons icon Chauncey Billups to join NBA's HORSE Challenge

With sports on an indefinite hiatus because of the novel coronavirus, it was a matter of time before something had to fill the void.

That something is the NBA’s HORSE Challenge, which will include Pistons icon Chauncey Billups, along with All-Stars Chris Paul and Trae Young and the Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine. The eight-person competition also will feature newly-elected Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings and WNBA All-Star Allie Quigley, and will be televised Sunday at 7 p.m. on ESPN.

Because of social distancing, each competitor will participate at his or her home court.

The winner gets bragging rights; State Farm will donate more than $200,000 to help charities responding to coronavirus.

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In the first round, Billups will face Young and Catchings will challenge Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley Jr. In the other quarterfinals, it’s LaVine vs. former NBA All-Star Paul Pierce and Paul vs. Quigley. The quarterfinals will be Sunday with the semifinals on April 16 at 9 p.m. The championship will follow on ESPN.

The rules follow the familiar court game with players announcing shot attempts that the competitor must mimic. A coin toss will determine which player goes first.

Rod.Beard@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @detnewsRodBeard