In the first NBA All-Star Game since the passing of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, Team LeBron and Team Giannis could play a relatively more competitive type of basketball than what’s usually seen in such an event in dedication to the Black Mamba. James is his All-Star team’s captain for the third-straight year since the implementation of the current format. On that note, the scoring format has changed completely this year in honor of Kobe and Gianna, with the score being reset to 0-0 at the end of each of the first three quarters. View the update to the scoring format along with adjusted betting tips here.
James’ teams have won the last two All-Star Games, but will the short streak end this coming Sunday with emotions running high?
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Betting Preview for the NBA All-Star Game on February 16 2020 Featuring Team LeBron vs Team Giannis
Where: United Center, Chicago
When: Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020 8 PM ET
Broadcast: TNT
NBA All Star Weekend Betting Odds:
- First Quarter Odds
- Second Quarter Odds
- Third Quarter Odds
- All-Star Game Odds (*game odds become available Friday February 14)
Betting on Team LeBron (-130 to win 1st Quarter)
Starters:
LeBron James
Anthony Davis
Kawhi Leonard
Luka Doncic
James Harden
Reserves:
Damian Lillard,
Ben Simmons
Nikola Jokic
Jayson Tatum
Chris Paul
Russell Westbrook
Domantas Sabonis
On paper, Team LeBron seems to have a better set of players with a collectively further-reaching brand appeals than those on the side of Team Giannis. Six of the top 10 players on Basketball Reference’s top candidates to win the MVP this season are going to suit up for Team LeBron in the All-Star Game. Those are James Harden (2) of the Houston Rockets, James (3) of the Los Angeles Lakers, James’ Lakers teammate Anthony Davis (4), Luka Doncic (5) of the Dallas Mavericks, Nikola Jokic (6) of the Denver Nuggets, and Kawhi Leonard (8) of the LA Clippers. Basically, all of Team LeBron starters are in the running to win the MVP award for the 2019-20 NBA season. The reserves of a team are going to feature the pair of Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers. We have to give Lillard a special mention here, considering the incredible performance he’s show in the first half of the season. As of this writing, Lillard is averaging 29.7 points while shooting 46.2 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from the 3-point region. According to ESPN, Team LeBron has the advantage in points, rebounds, assists, and steals.
Betting on Team Giannis (+110 to win 1st Quarter)
Starters:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Joel Embiid
Pascal Siakam
Kemba Walker
Trae Young
Reserves:
Khris Middleton
Bam Adebayo
Rudy Gobert
Jimmy Butler
Kyle Lowry
Brandon Ingram
Donovan Mitchell
While many are expecting Team LeBron to dominate the All-Star Game, it’s not wise to count up a team with the reigning NBA MVP on it. At this point of the season, Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)has a 62.0 percent to win the MVP award again this season, per Basketball Reference. The Greek Freak will get plenty of help from the likes of big man Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and versatile forward Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors, who’s been effectively covering the void left by Leonard on the team. The starting backcourt of Team Giannis will have Boston Celtics court general Kemba Walker and the Atlanta Hawks’ sweet-shooting sophomore Trae Young. The second unit of the team will have Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat. Butler’s presence off the bench should lift the team. According to the legend, Butler once led a gaggle of third-stringers and beat a team led by Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins during a Minnesota Timberwolves practice. If he can do that, imagine his effect on a unit that also has Khris Middleton of the Bucks, Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz, and Heat teammate Bam Adebayo and the duo of Brandon Ingram (New Orleans Pelicans) and Donovan Mitchell (Jazz).
Writer’s Prediction
Team LeBron crushes Team Giannis, 124-102.
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