The NBA's 2013 NBA All-Star Balloting got underway yesterday with a special event in Houston, the host city of the All-Star 2013.

The balloting allows fans to vote for their favorite players as starters for the All-Star Game in Houston in February. And in keeping with the times, fans will be able to vote via social media networks including Facebook, Twitter, and China's Sina Weibo and Tencent QQ.

The 62nd NBA All-Star Game is expected to reach fans in more than 220 countries and territories in more than 40 languages. Balloting will conclude on January 14, and starters will be announced on January 17.

The All-Star ballot lists 120 players - 60 each from the Eastern and Western conferences - with 36 frontcourts and 24 guards from each conference. Voters can select three frontcourts and two guards from each conference. Previously, the ballot featured three positions with fans picking two guards, two forwards and a center.

Fans can also vote through applications on Android and iOS. Fans can also cast their votes in 11 languages on NBA.com/ASB or by visiting NBA.com/ASB on any wireless device.