The calendar has flipped from 2024 to 2025, bringing basketball fans one week closer to the revamped NBA All-Star Game.
Voting for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game started on December 19, 2024. On that day, I attempted to project the ten starters for the upcoming game.
Nearly three weeks later, we have a better idea of who fans want to see start, and a few developments may have changed who is most deserving of a spot.
As All-Star voting continues through Monday, Jan. 20, there is no better time to assess the situation and provide an updated look at who could be named All-Star Game starter in 2025.
As a reminder, the All-Star Game fan vote accounts for 50% of the vote, with the media and NBA player vote accounting for the remaining 50%. For this exercise, one writer’s opinion will be used to determine the All-Stars.
Here’s an updated look at who should start in this year’s All-Star Game, with a few changes from the first time around.
Western Conference All-Star starters updated prediction
- G: Stephen Curry, Warriors
- G: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder
- F: Kevin Durant, Suns
- F: LeBron James, Lakers
- F: Nikola Jokic, Nuggets
What hasn’t changed
Pretty much everything.
For the time being, the frontcourt remained intact, but I seriously considered putting Victor Wembanyama in the starting lineup.
The difficult part was deciding whether he should overtake Kevin Durant or LeBron James because Nikola Jokic is a lock.
Wembanyama finished fifth in the first round of fan voting, trailing only the three players mentioned above and Anthony Davis.
I can comfortably put Wembanyama ahead of Davis, but I’m still about a week away from concluding that the 21-year-old should be ranked ahead of the all-time greats.
And, yes, in the case of All-Star starters, I’ll admit that Durant and James’ career body of work, as well as their position in fan voting, influence my perception of their status as stars. For now, at least.
What has changed
Few traditions are more exciting than a superstar’s All-Star debut in front of their home fans. The recent injury to Luka Doncic allows Stephen Curry to get the start in front of the Chase Center crowd.
Curry’s selection is more than just a legacy or hometown pick; despite the Warriors’ struggles, he is averaging 22.5 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game this season. He is still a unique talent whose exploits defy logic.
On Christmas, the score was 38 points on 8-of-15 three-point shooting. Eight days later, it was 30 points on a perfect 8-of-8 shooting from deep.
CHEF CURRY WAS COOKIN' TONIGHT 👨🍳
🔥 30 PTS
🔥 8/8 3PM
🔥 10 ASTThe first time in his career Steph's gone 8/8 or better from deep! pic.twitter.com/GoJWPUKgLI
— NBA (@NBA) January 3, 2025
I believe the 2022 NBA All-Star Game MVP would be motivated to deliver another memorable All-Star performance in the Bay.
Honorable mentions include Anthony Davis, Luka Doncic, and Victor Wembanyama.
Eastern Conference All-Star starters updated prediction
- G: Damian Lillard, Bucks
- G: Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers
- F: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
- F: Jayson Tatum, Celtics
- F: Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks
What hasn’t changed
Similar to the Western Conference, little has changed in the East. And with good reason.
Donovan Mitchell remains the biggest star on the team with the best record in the NBA, Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to put forth efforts worthy of reclaiming the title of the world’s best player, Jayson Tatum is quietly putting together a masterful season with the defending champs, and Karl-Anthony Towns is proving to be perfectly suited for his new surroundings in New York.
One month before the All-Star Game, the Eastern Conference’s frontcourt appears to be set. Evan Mobley’s development is notable, and he will almost certainly earn a reserve spot, but he is still not on the same level as the starting trio.
What has changed
A quick switch-up in the East backcourt, prompted by recent fan returns, among other factors.
Damian Lillard has been up and down this season, but he replaces Trae Young this time around. By the time the All-Star Game arrives, that could easily change back to how I had it.
The difference in the standings is marginal, and Young remains the league’s assists leader at 12.0 per game. I’m considering the fan vote and Lillard’s role in Milwaukee’s season turnaround, despite his personal ups and downs.
