The 2025 NBA All-Star Game just implemented a four-team format, which means from the young superstars to the legends of this era, the matchups are set for an unpredictable and thrilling showdown.
With a revamped format and the addition of the Rising Stars champion as the fourth team, the 2025 All-Star Game, on Feb. 16, promises dynamic matchups and unpredictability. Fans are eager to see how each superstar will mesh with each other.
The 2025 NBA All-Star Game showcases a stellar lineup of talent as the Eastern and Western Conferences prepare to face off. In the East, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks leads as the league’s top vote-getter, adding another accolade to his already illustrious career. Joining him are Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, whose scoring and defensive versatility make him a key figure, and Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks, whose impact in New York has been profound. The Knicks are also represented by Jalen Brunson, recognized for his leadership and consistent performances, while Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell earns a starting spot with his game-changing explosiveness.
Representing the West, LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers marks his 21st All-Star appearance, the most appearances in NBA history. Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns secures another spot on the starting lineup despite injury challenges. Three-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets continues to redefine the center position with his play-making ability. Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shines as the league’s leading scorer, and is the mid-season league favorite to win MVP. Golden State Warriors’ best player of all time, Stephen Curry, rounds out the lineup, showcasing his unparalleled sharpshooting and redefining shooting range as the greatest shooter in NBA history.
The selections sparked debate, particularly in the Western Conference frontcourt. Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ standout big man, has delivered a one of a kind sophomore campaign, averaging 24.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, and a league-best 4.0 blocks per game. Yet, the votes favored seasoned stars like Durant.
Mitch Johnson, acting head coach of the Spurs while Gregg Popovich recovers from a stroke suffered in November, highlighted Wembanyama’s focus and determination ahead of the NBA All-Star Game.
“[Wembanyama] has done a phenomenal job this season,” Johnson said during a Jan. 24 press conference. “Even as a kid, he’s been in the spotlight, with the attention, the cameras, and the microphones all on him. But he’s very clear about what he wants to achieve and where he wants his career to go. He’s incredibly grounded in that.”
The 2025 NBA All-Star reserves were announced on January 30, 2025, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and first-time selections. In the Western Conference, the reserves include Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), James Harden (Los Angeles Clippers), Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies), Alperen Şengün (Houston Rockets), Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder), and Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs). The Eastern Conference reserves are Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks), Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers), Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics), Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons), Tyler Herro (Miami Heat), Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers), and Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers).
This year’s All-Star selections have sparked discussions about players who were snubbed. Players such as LaMelo Ball, Devin Booker, and Trae Young were notably absent from the rosters, leading to debates among fans and analysts about the selection process. Lamelo Ball is the first player under the current voting format to win the fan vote at his position but not get picked for the All-Star Game.
The four teams participating in the NBA All-Star Game will compete for a prize pool of $1.8 million. Each player on the championship-winning team will receive $125,000, each player on the second-place team will receive $50,000 and each player on the third- and fourth-place teams will receive $25,000.
While veterans like Curry and James are always favorites to win the All-Star MVP, the fan favorite this year is Wembanyama. His competitive fire and ability to dominate both ends of the court could make him a standout in his All-Star debut. Others are eyeing Anthony Edwards, whose shooting prowess and outgoing personality could receive votes from fans, who can vote on the MVP through the app this year.
Jack Wilson, a junior from San Francisco, is a fan of the Golden State Warriors and believes Curry will win the All-star MVP.
“[Stephen Curry] is known for shining on the biggest stages,” he said. “With his shooting, handles, and confidence, he’s going to put on a show that no one can match. He is built for these moments.”
As the league’s best prepare to converge in San Francisco, the 2025 All-Star Weekend promises to celebrate the present and future of basketball. From the enduring brilliance of LeBron James to the youthful dominance of Victor Wembanyama, the stage is set for an unforgettable showcase of talent.
Ore Odutayo, a senior on the Williston Varsity Basketball team, believes that the All-Star game is not what it used to be.
“Back in the day, it felt like players had something to prove,” Ore said. “Now it’s all about showboating instead of real competition.”
Sangwon Choi, a sophomore from Korea, says the NBA All-Star Game was once a thrilling stage for “what if” matchups between the league’s best players, but recently, it has lost its competitive edge.
“It’s losing its purpose,” he said. “There’s no tension or excitement because players avoid playing hard to avoid getting injured.”
