NBA Announces All-Star Starters, With New Format And $1.8 Million On Line

The NBA revealed its 2025 All-Star Game starters on Thursday, and as expected, the selections have sparked some discussion, with a few surprises and a few familiar faces.Jalen Brunson tries to drive past Donovan Mitchell

In the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks are well-represented, with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns earning starting spots. This marks Towns’ first All-Star selection in his first season with the Knicks, a testament to how well he’s fit into New York’s lineup. Brunson, who’s having a career year, has also earned a well-deserved spot alongside him in the backcourt.

Joining them is Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell, who continues to solidify his place among the league’s elite guards. Jayson Tatum of the Celtics and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks rounded out the frontcourt slots, as expected.

Out west, LeBron James makes history once again, extending his all-time record for All-Star selections to 21. Joining him in the frontcourt are Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and Suns forward Kevin Durant, two of the league’s top players at their respective positions. The backcourt features Warriors sharpshooter Stephen Curry and the breakout star of the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The starters are selected through a weighted voting system, with fans holding half the vote, while players and media each control 25%. A total of three frontcourt players and two guards from each conference were chosen.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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There were some close calls, with LaMelo Ball finishing just shy of a starting spot despite leading the fan vote. Similarly, Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama came up short, finishing second in media voting but fourth in both fan and player ballots.

As always, the reserve selections, which are made by coaches, will be revealed on January 30.

Top candidates for reserve roles: Luka DoncicAnthony EdwardsJa MorantKyrie IrvingJames HardenDe’Aaron FoxDevin BookerNorman PowellAnthony DavisJalen WilliamsAlperen SengunTrae YoungDamian LillardCade CunninghamDarius GarlandTyrese MaxeyTyler HerroPaolo BancheroEvan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Jaylen Brown.

The 74th NBA All-Star Game will feature a revamped format this year, with a mini-tournament involving four teams and $1.8 million on the line. Each player on a team that wins the final will receive $125,000. Members of the second-place team will get $50,000. Players on the third- and fourth-place teams will receive $25,000.

Each game will be played to 40 points, and team rosters will be drafted by Inside the NBA’s Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley on February 6, airing live on TNT.

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