2026 NBA All-Star Game Predictions, Odds and Format/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The 2026 NBA All-Star Game features a new round-robin mini-tournament format in Los Angeles. Team USA Stripes, USA Stars and Team World will battle for the title Sunday at 5 p.m. ET. SportsLine expert Larry Hartstein has released his top picks and betting insights.
2026 NBA All-Star Game Predictions and Format Quick Looks
- Location: Los Angeles
- Tip-off: Sunday, 5 p.m. ET
- Format: Three-team round-robin tournament
- Favorites: USA Stripes (+155)
- Team World (+160); USA Stars (+200)
- Top analyst Larry Hartstein reveals best bets
Deep Look: 2026 NBA All-Star Game Predictions, Odds and Format
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game arrives in Los Angeles this weekend with a revamped format, fresh betting angles and plenty of star power. Sunday’s main event tips off at 5 p.m. ET, featuring a round-robin mini-tournament between three teams: USA Stripes, USA Stars and Team World.
The NBA continues to experiment with its showcase event, and this year’s structure divides the 28 All-Stars into two American squads and one international roster. Each team will play the others in 12-minute games, with the top two advancing to a championship matchup. If teams are tied after round-robin play, point differential will determine who moves on.
2026 NBA All-Star Game Odds
According to FanDuel, USA Stripes enters as the slight favorite at +155. Team World is close behind at +160, while USA Stars sits at +200.
The tight odds reflect the balance among the rosters — though injuries could play a pivotal role.
Team Breakdown
USA Stars (+200)
The Stars roster leans younger, featuring emerging talents like Tyrese Maxey, Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards and Chet Holmgren. This group brings athleticism and pace but lacks some of the veteran experience found elsewhere.
USA Stripes (+155)
The Stripes counter with established veterans, including LeBron James and Kevin Durant, alongside Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell. Their blend of experience and scoring depth makes them the betting favorite, though Stephen Curry is sidelined due to injury.
Team World (+160)
Headlined by Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic, Team World boasts elite international firepower. However, injuries to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander thin out what could have been the most dominant lineup on paper.
Even without those stars, Team World remains dangerous thanks to its size, playmaking and versatility.
What Bettors Need to Know
SportsLine senior analyst Larry Hartstein has broken down the matchup from every angle. A founding member of the Early Edge podcast, Hartstein enters All-Star Weekend on an 8-5 run on NBA props and has built a reputation for sharp, data-driven analysis.
Hartstein has identified a key X-factor in this unique format — one that gives a particular team an edge in short, high-intensity games. With 12-minute contests emphasizing quick bursts and efficiency, depth and shot creation could outweigh traditional All-Star chemistry concerns.
While All-Star Games are often unpredictable, the new mini-tournament setup adds strategic intrigue. Coaches must manage rotations carefully, knowing that every possession could impact point differential and advancement.
Format Impact
The shortened games increase volatility. A brief scoring run or defensive surge could swing standings dramatically. Unlike traditional full-length contests, there is little room for slow starts.
The championship game will determine the overall winner, making stamina and bench production critical factors.
With the league’s brightest stars sharing the floor — from LeBron James to Victor Wembanyama — the 2026 NBA All-Star Game promises both spectacle and competitive intrigue.
Bettors looking for an edge can review Hartstein’s full analysis and official picks at SportsLine, where he details which roster holds the decisive advantage in this year’s revamped showcase.
2026 NBA All-Star Game Odds
(via FanDuel, subject to change)
- USA Stripes: +155
- Team World: +160
- USA Stars: +200
More on Sports
Comments are closed.