Last Updated on: 17th February 2025, 01:19 am
The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend reaches its electrifying climax tonight, introducing a bold new twist—an intense four-team tournament engineered to amplify competition, spectacle, and stakes. This year’s marquee event, rebranded as the “All-Star Championship,” ditches the conventional East vs. West format in favor of a high-intensity bracket battle at San Francisco’s Chase Center (8 p.m. ET, TNT). With a hefty $1.8 million prize pool and ultimate bragging rights at stake, superstars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Victor Wembanyama will vie not just for highlight reels but for an enduring mark on All-Star history.
How to Watch the 2025 NBA All-Star Game
- Date: Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025
- Time: 8 p.m. ET | 5 p.m. PT
- Venue: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
- TV Broadcast: TNT, truTV
- Live Stream: Max, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream (free trial available)
Pregame coverage kicks off at 6 p.m. ET on TNT, featuring insights from legendary analysts Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith. Fans can also expect thrilling musical performances from artists such as Shaboozey and Noah Kahan, blending basketball with top-tier entertainment.
Revamped Format: Four Teams, Three Games, One Ultimate Champion
Responding to years of critique over the lack of intensity and defensive effort, the NBA has reimagined the All-Star Game into a high-stakes mini-tournament:
- Semifinal 1: Team Kenny vs. Team Chuck (8:20 p.m. ET)
- Semifinal 2: Team Shaq vs. Team Candace (9:10 p.m. ET)
- Championship Match: Winners face off (10 p.m. ET)
Each matchup will be played to a target score of 40 points, eliminating the game clock and replacing the Elam Ending with a fast-paced, pressure-packed format where teams must execute with urgency to advance.
Prize Money Distribution
- Champions: $125,000 per player
- Runners-up: $50,000 per player
- Semifinal losers: $25,000 per player
Rosters: A Fusion of Legends, Rising Stars, and Global Talent
The 24 All-Stars were drafted into three teams by TNT’s Inside the NBA crew, while Team Candace comprises the winners of Friday’s Rising Stars Challenge, coached by WNBA icon Candace Parker.
Team Shaq (Coach: Shaquille O’Neal)
- LeBron James (Lakers) – Extending his record with a 21st All-Star appearance.
- Stephen Curry (Warriors) – Energized by his home crowd at Chase Center.
- Kevin Durant (Suns), Jayson Tatum (Celtics), Damian Lillard (Bucks)
- Injury Replacement: Kyrie Irving (Mavericks) filling in for Anthony Davis (groin strain).
Team Chuck (Coach: Charles Barkley)
- Nikola Jokić (Nuggets) – The reigning two-time MVP leads a diverse international lineup.
- Victor Wembanyama (Spurs) – The 21-year-old sensation, averaging 24.4 PPG and 3.9 blocks.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder), Trae Young (Hawks)*, Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks)
- *Young replaces Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf strain).
Team Kenny (Coach: Kenny Smith)
- Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves) – A dynamic +1200 MVP contender.
- Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Cade Cunningham (Pistons), Tyler Herro (Heat)
- Youngest Squad: With an average age of 24.8, this team thrives on speed and highlight-worthy plays.
Team Candace (Coach: Candace Parker)
- Stephon Castle (Spurs) – The Rising Stars MVP leads a team of underdogs.
- Zach Edey (Grizzlies), Keyonte George (Jazz), Amen Thompson (Rockets)
- A blend of promising NBA rookies, sophomores, and G League standouts.
MVP Race & Betting Odds
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the MVP race remains fiercely contested:
- Stephen Curry (+500): Unparalleled shooting prowess, home-court advantage.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+800): Averages 31.2 PPG, thrives in clutch situations.
- Victor Wembanyama (+800): Towering defensive presence with offensive versatility.
- LeBron James (+850): A masterful playmaker in his record-setting 21st All-Star appearance.
- Anthony Edwards (+1200): Explosive athleticism could make him the game’s breakout star.
Expert Predictions
- Team Shaq enters as the favorite, boasting experience and Curry’s home support.
- Team Chuck presents a serious challenge, with Jokić and Wembanyama forming a dominant frontcourt.
- Team Kenny’s youthful squad may struggle under high-stakes pressure, though Edwards’ high-flying style could shake things up.
A New Era for the NBA All-Star Game?
With shortened games (40-point targets), increased stakes ($1.8 million prize pool), and an infusion of young talent, the NBA aims to reignite fan enthusiasm. If this format succeeds, it could become a long-term staple—or spark even bolder innovations in the years ahead.
Tonight’s game isn’t just an exhibition—it’s a pivotal moment in shaping the future of the NBA All-Star experience. Will LeBron etch another chapter into his legendary career? Can Wembanyama prove he belongs among the league’s elite? Or will Team Candace shock the world with a Cinderella victory? One thing is certain: the Chase Center is set to host a spectacle like never before.
