The 2025 NBA All-Star Game is getting a major makeover, with a brand-new format designed to bring back the excitement. This year’s event features a four-team, single-elimination tournament, with each game played to a target score of 40 points. The action takes place on February 17 in San Francisco, marking the first time the city has hosted All-Star Weekend. We bring you an overview and our best bet for the day below!
2025 NBA All-Star Game Preview & Betting Tips
A New Format for More Intensity
The NBA has revamped the All-Star Game after years of criticism about its lack of competitiveness. Instead of one game, the night will feature two semi-final matchups, followed by a final. There’s no game clock—each contest ends when a team reaches 40 points, which should lead to more fast-paced, high-energy play. By making every possession count, the league hopes to create a game that’s more than just a highlight reel showcase.
Meet the Teams
Rather than drafting players like in recent years, the NBA is introducing four distinct squads, each coached by a big personality:
Shaq's OGs (Coached by Shaquille O'Neal):
· LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
· Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
· Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns)
· Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks)
· Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
· Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks)
· James Harden (Los Angeles Clippers)
· Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
Chuck's Global Stars (Coached by Charles Barkley):
· Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)
· Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
· Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks)
· Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
· Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers)
· Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks)
· Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
· Alperen Şengün (Houston Rockets)
Kenny's Young Stars (Coached by Kenny Smith):
· Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
· Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
· Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)
· Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder)
· Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers)
· Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
· Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons)
· Tyler Herro (Miami Heat)
Candace's Rising Stars (Coached by Candace Parker):
· Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs)
· Dalton Knecht (Los Angeles Lakers)
· Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies)
· Keyonte George (Utah Jazz)
· Zach Edey (Memphis Grizzlies)
· Trayce Jackson-Davis (Golden State Warriors)
· Ryan Dunn (Phoenix Suns)
· Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets)
What to Expect
With a new format, big personalities leading the teams, and added motivation to compete, the 2025 NBA All-Star Game has the potential to be one of the most exciting in years. The NBA is hoping this shake-up will bring back the competitive edge and make the event a must-watch for fans. Whether the new system sticks around or not, this year’s game is set to be a unique and fast-paced battle unlike anything we’ve seen before.
Prediction
Predicting the winner of the 2025 NBA All-Star Game is tricky, mainly because you never know how seriously the players will take it. The new format might encourage more competitiveness, but historically, some veterans have treated the game as more of a showcase than a real battle. That’s why the best strategy is to side with the team that has players known for actually putting in effort. In that case, Kenny Smith’s Young Stars look like the best bet. They’re filled with players who are relatively new to the All-Star scene and will be eager to prove themselves. Unlike Shaq’s OGs and Chuck’s Global Stars, which feature some established stars who might take a more relaxed approach, the Young Stars are built with guys who have something to prove. Then there’s Candace’s Rising Stars, who simply don’t have the talent to compete if this turns into a real game. The Young Stars’ starters include Jalen Brunson and Anthony Edwards, two guys who play full throttle at all times, while Jaren Jackson Jr. has already said he’ll be locked in. If you’re looking to pick a winner, this is the team with the most competitive fire, and that gives them the edge.
Kenny's Young Stars to Win
$5.50 (1 Unit)
