The 2025 NBA All-Star Game is set to deliver an exciting experience with familiar faces but a fresh twist. The previous All-Star Game in 2023 utilized a captain-led team selection, while the 2024 edition reverted to the classic East versus West format. This year, however, we’ll witness a four-team tournament. The implications of this new structure for the All-Star Weekend’s future are open to interpretation.

When it comes to wagering during All-Star Weekend, caution is key. The frequent changes to the format suggest that betting may be a bit unpredictable, particularly considering that players may not always approach the event with full seriousness.

While predicting who will truly compete for victory on Sunday is challenging, I can steer you through the complexities of the All-Star betting landscape. Although I’ll provide recommendations for key events below, the most valuable aspect is understanding the strategy to navigate this unique betting environment. While there’s no guaranteed method to pick winners during All-Star Weekend, you can often find excellent value.

Before diving into the picks, let’s review tonight’s schedule.

Viewing Information for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game

• Time: First semifinal at 8:20 p.m. ET | Date: Sunday, February 16
• Venue: Chase Center — San Francisco
• TV Network: TNT | Live Streaming: Max
• Live Updates: Stay tuned for updates

Best Betting Strategies for the All-Star Game

Let’s approach this from a unique angle. Instead of recommending just one pick for the All-Star Tournament, I suggest an overall betting strategy that emphasizes securing value rather than chasing big payouts.

Examine the betting lines for each individual All-Star matchup. You’ll find that while Team Chuck and Team Kenny’s odds are relatively balanced, Team Shaq is heavily favored at -450 against Team Candace. This discrepancy arises because Team Candace includes the winning team from the Rising Stars Challenge. However, once the top All-Stars take the court, the potential for upsets is slim, as seasoned players often strive to avoid being overshadowed by younger talent. Veteran All-Stars aim to maintain their reputation.

So, what actions can we take based on this analysis? Consider placing a bet on Team Shaq at odds of +100 to win the entire tournament. Make this bet ahead of time, then watch how the first two games unfold. If Team Shaq is unexpectedly defeated by the Rising Stars, your strategy may be compromised. However, if they progress, they are likely to be favored in the final against either Team Chuck or Team Kenny. You could then employ live betting on the opposing side. The goal is not to speculate on which All-Stars will genuinely contend for a win, but rather to hedge against the younger, less experienced players. While it’s a cautious approach, it’s sensible, especially with my previous prediction of the G League players in the Rising Stars Challenge.

Best Bets for All-Star Game MVP

Picking the MVP this year poses a unique challenge due to the tournament format. Traditionally, selecting a starter is the norm, as no reserves have claimed the MVP title since Russell Westbrook in 2015. This year, however, the ambiguity of starting players complicates matters, as the NBA has named 10 starters for three teams—resulting in 15 total starters. With limited depth, it’s probable that each player will see additional playing time, prompting us to reconsider the “starter rule.”

Moreover, with the games being untimed and played to a target score of 40, scoring could come in bursts. This suggests an inclination towards selecting scoring guards for the MVP. Historical data supports this choice; since 2010, only two big men—Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo—have claimed the MVP title in this timeframe. Most winners have been perimeter players.

To narrow down the options, a standout candidate is Stephen Curry at +550. Since he’s the local favorite and plays for Team Shaq, it’s reasonable to assume he’ll at least reach the finals if we agree that Team Shaq won’t lose to the Rising Stars. However, I prefer to seek out better odds than a +550 favorite among such a large field.

Fortunately, there are two intriguing long-shot options to consider. Team Chuck features many international players, mostly tall individuals, with only three guards: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at +800, Donovan Mitchell at +2400, and Trae Young at +4200. I’m not keen on Mitchell due to a lack of All-Star impact outside his 40-point performance in 2023. However, Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points as a starter last year and remains a favorite for the regular-season MVP, which could draw considerable attention. Young, on the other hand, is a high-value play, eager to prove himself after initially being left off the All-Star roster; his long-range shooting and flair make him well-suited for this event.

These two players represent my preferred picks, but I suggest including a Team Shaq option as a safety net. With Curry out, consider Damian Lillard at +1400. He has a record of scoring at least 26 points in his last three All-Star Games, demonstrating his commitment to the event. If he wins again, he would accomplish a feat not seen since Westbrook’s back-to-back wins in 2015 and 2016. However, due to the significant changes in the format, I wouldn’t read too much into that. Between Lillard, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Young, we’ve got three of the tournament’s most formidable candidates who can heat up quickly and take the spotlight.