NBA All-Star Weekend 2025: What to Expect

With the trade deadline behind us, the NBA shifts its focus to the much-anticipated All-Star Weekend in San Francisco. Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry, fresh from building chemistry with new teammate Jimmy Butler, will host the event alongside LeBron James and Kevin Durant on Team Shaq. The trio, who led Team USA to Olympic gold in 2024, are ready to shine once again.

Rising Stars Challenge

The Rising Stars game kicks off the weekend on Friday night. This year’s format includes four teams coached by NBA legends Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, Chris Mullin, and Jeremy Lin. The winning team will earn a spot in Sunday’s All-Star mini-tournament. Highlights include the reunion of the Thompson twins, Ausar and Amen, and the debut of top draft picks Zach Edey and Reed Sheppard.

Saturday Night Showcase

Saturday night is packed with action, starting with the Skills Challenge. Teams from the Warriors, Cavaliers, Spurs, and Rook will compete in a test of agility and precision. Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul will team up for the Spurs, while Draymond Green and Moses Moody represent the Warriors.

The 3-Point Contest will feature Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard, who is aiming for a historic three-peat. Meanwhile, Mac McClung will attempt the same feat in the Slam Dunk Contest, where San Antonio rookie Stephon Castle is expected to make a splash.

All-Star Tournament

Sunday’s main event is the All-Star Tournament, featuring four teams: Chuck’s Global Stars, Shaq’s OGs, Kenny’s Young Stars, and Candace’s Rising Stars. The tournament format promises high stakes and intense competition, with a $1.8 million prize pool on the line. Notable matchups include the reunion of LeBron, Curry, and Durant, and the clash between international stars like Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Expert Predictions

Our panel of NBA insiders has made their picks for the weekend’s events. Team M is favored in the Rising Stars Challenge, while Team Spurs is the top pick for the Skills Contest. Lillard is the favorite to win the 3-Point Contest again, and Mac McClung is expected to dominate the Slam Dunk Contest. In the All-Star Tournament, Shaq’s OGs, led by the veteran trio of LeBron, Curry, and Durant, are the team to beat.