The NBA continues to use All-Star Weekend as a testing ground. The events taking place are popular among fans and bettors, but the NBA is always looking to stir the pot. The highlight of the weekend is the NBA All-Star Game with this year’s contest celebrating its 75th anniversary. The game will have a new format for the third time in as many years as the NBA experiments with ways to boost competitiveness.
NBA All-Star Game Event Overview
The NBA has moved away from the traditional East vs. West format that was in place for most of the first 75 years and the schoolyard style of captains picking team members that was introduced in 2018. For the first time the All-Star Game will feature a USA vs. World theme, similar to what we’ve seen in the National Hockey League’s mid-season celebration.
Three teams with a minimum of 8 players will play a round-robin mini tournament with the top two teams advancing to the championship game. Two teams will consist of American born players with the World team made up of international players. The round-robin format will consist of four 12-minute games with a tie broken by point differential in the two games.
The 2026 NBA All-Star selection process remained the same as in past years. The top five vote getters in each conference were honored as starters with reserves for each side picked by NBA coaches.
What Makes the NBA All-Star Game Unique?
- The format may have changed – again – but the best basketball players on the planet will be competing making it a spectacle for fans.
- There are some similarities to 2025, but for the most part it’s another new adventure with new betting options. It’s hard to put a spread and total on a 12-minute game so instead look for a tournament winner and an overall MVP.
When Is the NBA All-Star Game?
- The brand new home of the LA Clippers serves as host with the NBA assembled at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA. All four games will be played on Sunday, February 15 with the first tipping off at 5 p.m. ET. NBC will air the game with a live stream available on Peacock.
- The All-Star Game is the main event of NBA All-Star weekend that includes among other things the Slam Dunk Contest and 3-Point Shooting Contest.
NBA All-Star Players and Matchup Context
There is no shortage of the NBA’s best with the honored starters selected by a vote of fans, players and media. Unfortunately the crowd will be denied the opportunity to see MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who vetoed the festivities due to an injury, and Steph Curry.
That just gives guys like Alperen Sengun and Brandon Ingram, who were picked as replacements, a chance to show off.
Star Players Expected to Shape the Game
The NBAs’ biggest names have already shaped the game only negatively. With SGA, Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo ruled out, others could follow before Sunday. The rosters are solid though and with the Clippers own Kawhi Leonard added to the mix putting on a show in his barn is a possibility. Victor Wembanyama and Luka Doncic are players on the World team who can pick up the slack.
How the All-Star Format Affects Betting
- With a brand new format introduced this year the NBA betting markets have to catch up. We already have posted odds for the tournament winner and MVP.
- With games lasting only 12 minutes some of the players won’t even break a sweat. Toss in subs and the props and totals will have small numbers.
NBA All-Star Game Odds and Market Setup
With rosters constantly changing due to injuries and opt outs, sportsbooks have to pay close attention. And introducing a new format also makes it challenging. Being on an even playing field with oddsmakers gives bettors a better chance at cashing bets.
How Sportsbooks Price the All-Star Game
We’re in uncharted territory with the new All-Star Game format but we can expect a variation of the standard game odds. And if you’re looking to throw down a point spread wager read this informative piece.
Most All-Stars are selected due to their ability to score the basketball, which has a way of ballooning totals. This read can help you better strategize the over/under bets.
Early Betting Angles to Watch
- When it comes to All-Star games, playing defense is optional. And most players opt out. In the last single All-Star Game in 2024 the East scored a record number of points in a 211-186 win over the West.
- In that 2024 game Karl-Anthony Towns scored 50 points and deserved to be named MVP. KAT gets another crack as a member of 2026 Team World.
NBA All-Star Game Betting Tips and Picks
Pay attention to who will be playing in the game is the first tip. We’ve already seen a number of players back out and there’s a chance more will do the same prior to Sunday. And there are always some underlying stories that affect the markets. Kawhi Leonard playing in front of his Clippers fans and LeBron James playing perhaps his final All-Star game could dazzle.
Recent All-Star Trends Bettors Should Know
With a new format makes it impossible to track trends. One thing we do know is that teams will score, but just how many points in a 12-minute game?
Top Bets for the NBA All-Star Game
- With Luka, Joker and Wemby, Team World is stacked with a major advantage over the split Team USA.
- And since the MVP typically goes to a player on the winning team, backing Wembanyama for the award is also a good move.
What to Avoid When Betting the All-Star Game
Avoid the hype. The so-called experts have no idea what will take place at a glorified exhibition, so research your wagers for a better chance at earning some coin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Sportsbooks offer extensive menu options and props for the All-Star Game.
