The National Basketball Association puts on their annual all-star game this weekend from on Sunday, Feb. 17. This year, the NBA has changed the format so that the two highest vote-getters from the East and West actually drafted players for their team.
With the first pick in the All-Star Draft, LeBron took Kevin Durant. Giannis took Steph Curry. The draft concluded with both LeBron and Giannis filling out their all-star rosters with awesome players from both the East and the West.
How great is that! Keep reading for analysis, NBA odds, and a free ATS pick!
2019 NBA All-Star Game Odds, Predictions & Pick
- When: Sunday, Feb. 17 at 8:00pm ET
- Where: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
- TV: TNT
- Radio: ESPN 1320
- Live Stream: NBA League Pass
- 2019 NBA All Star Odds: Team LeBron -6
Why bet on Team Giannis +6?
On paper, it doesn’t look like Team Giannis stands much of a shot against Team LeBron. James Harden, Kevin Durant, LeBron, Kyrie Irving, and Kawhi Leonard all show up on The King’s roster.
But, the Greek Freak might have pulled a fast one with his roster moves. He’s heavy on big guys that can pass, rebound, and, of course, score. Joel Embiid, Nikola Vucevic, and Nikola Jokic all average double-doubles in points and boards. Jokic’s the best big passer in the league. Giannis also managed to draft both Oklahoma City all-stars, Paul George and Russell Westbrook.
The team’s loaded. It might be loaded enough for Mr. Antetokounempo to pull off the SU win.
Team Giannis Starters
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Forward
- Steph Curry, Guard
- Joel Embiid, Center
- Paul George, Forward
- Kemba Walker, Guard
- LaMarcus Aldridge
- Bradley Beal
- Anthony Davis
- Damian Lillard
- Ben Simmons
- Klay Thompson
- Karl-Anthony Towns
- Dwyane Wade*
Why Bet on Team LeBron -6?
The starting line-up alone would make any opponent facing it to shudder. Did anybody ever think that 4 of the top 5 players in the NBA would suit up for the same team?
LeBron, KD, The Beard, and Kawhi all start together on Mr. James’ amazing squad. That’s just unreal. Not only that, but looking past the starters, LeBron can counter Giannis’s strategy of throwing big men that can pass at his team.
The King drafted LaMarcus Aldridge, Anthony Davis, and Karl-Anthony Towns. Those 3 bigs can at least play with Vucevic, Embiid, and Jokic. LeBron also put Ben Simmons on the squad to cause serious matchup problem.
Team LeBron Starting Lineup
- Kevin Durant, Forward
- James Harden, Guard
- Kyrie Irving, Guard
- LeBron James, Forward
- Kawhi Leonard, Forward
- Russell Westbrook
- Kyle Lowry
- Victor Oladipo
- Khris Middleton
- Blake Griffin
- Nikola Vucevic
- Nikola Jokic
- Dirk Nowitzki*
- D’Angelo Russell**
2019 NBA All-Star Game Final Analysis and Pick
LeBron and Kyrie played together for a few years. The chemistry should still be there, but LeBron’s squad might suffer from too many cooks in the kitchen syndrome. Many of the all-stars on Team LeBron, including reserves Anthony Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns, are the unquestioned best players on their respective teams.
Team Giannis was created differently. Giannis himself is used to playing with Khris Middleton, who will come off the bench for his tea,. Kemba Walker, Embiid, George and Westbrook, Jokic, Kyle Lowry, and even Steph Curry, all play team ball. Most of those guys look to involve their mates before getting their shots.
The team basketball mentality should be more naturally prevalent on Team Giannis. That will lead to a straight up Greek Freak victory.
2019 NBA All-Star Game Pick: Team Giannis moneyline
