The 2025 NBA All-Star Game is set to take on a new format, moving away from the traditional East vs. West matchup to a mini-tournament consisting of three teams. Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith will be the influential figures behind the selection of the players for each team. The tournament will kick off on Sunday, February 16, starting at 8 p.m. ET on TNT and truTV, culminating in a championship game expected to air around 10 p.m. Two semi-final matches will precede the final, and to maintain a brisk pace, games will be played to a limit of 40 points—a significant shift from last year’s high-scoring affair.
This year’s All-Star Weekend, taking place in San Francisco, will also feature a variety of entertaining events, including a celebrity All-Star game showcasing talents such as Shaboozey, Noah Kahan, and Walker Hayes, along with the Rising Stars competition and the fan-favorite dunk and 3-point contests.
The team rosters for the All-Star tournament have been carefully curated. Team Chuck includes stars like Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Trae Young, who steps in for an injured Giannis Antetokounmpo. Team Shaq boasts an impressive lineup featuring LeBron James and Stephen Curry, with Kyrie Irving replacing the injured Anthony Davis. Team Kenny showcases rising talents like Anthony Edwards and Evan Mobley, rounding out a competitive field of players.
For fans eager to catch the All-Star Weekend action, the games will be accessible on TNT and truTV, with streaming options available via Max, DirecTV, and Hulu with Live TV among others. As we approach All-Star Weekend, there’s a palpable excitement surrounding the innovative tournament format and the showcase of basketball its finest talents.
In summary, the new All-Star tournament format promises to deliver an engaging and fast-paced experience for basketball enthusiasts, bringing fresh excitement to a cherished weekend tradition. This change not only offers a compelling viewing experience but is also likely to showcase the growing talent in the NBA, making it a must-watch event.