- The players for USA Stars: Scottie Barnes, Devin Booker, Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Anthony Edwards, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Johnson, and Tyrese Maxey.
- USA Stripes: Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, Brandon Ingram, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Donovan Mitchell, and Norman Powell.
- World: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Denvi Avdija, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Pascal Siakam, Alperin Sengun, Karl Anthony-Towns, and Victor Wembanyama.
Steph Curry and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were named to the game but will be unable to play due to injuries.
Battle for MVP Award
For those who bet on NBA action, the All-Star Game MVP presents wonderful wagering opportunities. Victor Wembanyama is the favorite at BetUS. The San Antonio Spurs phenom is listed at +350. It is a long way to the co-second choices with Cunningham and Doncic at +900. Keep an eye on the status of the Laker star as he has missed two games with a hamstring injury.
Tyrese Maxey, the Philadelphia 76ers’ do-everything guard, is +1000. The great Jokic, Durant, and James are +1400. This game is a who’s who of NBA greats. If someone wants to find tempting NBA odds on the MVP voting, they are there.
Rising Stars Competition
The four teams in the Rising Stars contest are coached by former NBA legends. Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, and Austin Rivers. The latter seems an unlikely person to be given such a lofty position when you look at the first three.
Team Melo is +110 and with good reason. It features the likes of Cooper Flagg, Donovan Clingan, and Stephon Castle, among others.
In NBA lines, the second choice at +235 is McGrady’s squad. He has Kon Knueppel, Ajay Mitch, and Alex Sarr to work with. Team Vince is +325, and Team Austin is +1000.
Slam Dunk Contest
Everyone looks forward to the Slam Dunk Contest, anticipating fancy jams with all sorts of props. It doesn’t always live up to expectations.
Jaxon Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers is +175 in NBA odds. That will be if he can avoid another collision with a mascot that earned him a suspension for running into the Washington Wizards’ G-Wiz. Carter Bryant is +180, Keshad Johnson is +370, and Jase Richardson is +500.
One person missing will be Mac McClung, the multi-time winner of the event, who has decided to pass up a chance to win again. He always has the right stuff, so this is disappointing to all.
3-Point Shooting Contest
There are tempting NBA lines on some of the best shooters in the league when it comes to the 3-point shooting contest winner.
The great Damian Lillard is the favorite at +400. However, he is no lock because of the talent that will be featured in this event.
Rookie Knueppel (+400) of the Hornets is the co-second choice with the great Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (+550).
Knueppel has made a strong impression in his first season and has a nice touch from long distance.
Among the others who are tempting propositions, Booker is +650, Mitchell is +650, and Maxey is +600.
These players pride themselves on having great shooting touches. So, if one catches fire and starts to find the net, they can easily come away with the 3-point shooting crown.
The NBA has become such a game of playing and firing away from behind the arc, on any given night, any great can light it up from “3.”
Shooting Stars Event
The past mixes with the present in the Shooting Stars event, which features a two-round format. Teams will have 70 seconds to shoot from seven different locations around the court.
Each of the three players on a team shoots from each spot in a set order.
The team with the top score after the final round wins.
- Team All-Star: Barnes and Chet Holmgren are joined by three-time NBA All-Star Richard Hamilton. This team’s odds are: +170.
- Team Cameron: Three Duke University alums –Jalen Johnson, Knueppel, and former 14-year NBA veteran Corey Maggette, odds: +250
- Team Harper: Five-time NBA champion Ron Harper Sr. pairs up with his sons, San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper and Boston Celtics guard-forward Ron Harper Jr. Odds: +375
- Team Knicks: New York Knicks teammates Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns compete with Allan Houston, who made two NBA All-Star teams with New York. Odds: +170
