When the NBA's best players gather in the Bay Area this weekend for the All-Star Game, more than a third of the league's teams won't be represented on the rosters. That's the inevitable result of the NBA selecting fewer players (26, including two injury replacements) than there are teams (30), plus a handful hogging multiple selections.

The NBA's All-Star model is very different from MLB, which awards every team a spot. Some players had a legitimate shot this season at being All-Stars, including several on teams that will be represented this weekend. With that in mind, let's look at who would be chosen if every team had an All-Star -- plus one additional candidate for the teams that do have All-Stars.

In the spirit of looking at which players have performed the best this season, I've leaned a little more heavily on 2024-25 production than I typically would in picking All-Stars. That works in the favor of rising players like Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks and Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets at the expense of a couple of proven All-Stars.

In addition to making a pick for each team, I'll also consider their chances of actually joining the All-Star Game going forward, with some far more realistic than others.

Jump to a tier:
All-Snub? Had a legit claim for '24-25
Ex All-Stars who should bounce back
Time's up for these former All-Stars?
Should expect more chances for first nod
Wasn't in the cards in this season
If their team had to pick a player

Had a legit case this season

LaMelo Ball, G, Charlotte Hornets

All-Star case: Ball's situation is the first of its kind: a player to lead his position group (East backcourt) in All-Star voting yet not make the game. A seventh-place finish in media voting doomed Ball's hopes of starting. The coaches picking Ball as a reserve from a lottery team never seemed likely, particularly given he's missed a third of the Hornets' games. So his 27.3 PPG and 7.2 APG weren't enough to earn a second All-Star appearance.

Future chances: If Ball can stay healthy and translate his production into more team success like 2021-22 when he was chosen, there are surely All-Star trips ahead for him. Actually, it will be historic if not. Ball was 20 for his All-Star debut. Not counting active players, Alvan Adams is the only one-time All-Star to have his only appearance come before age 22. (Adams was chosen as a rookie in 1975-76, the year before the ABA-NBA merger.)

Devin Booker, G, Phoenix Suns

All-Star case: An All-Star for four of the past five seasons, Booker is averaging 26.2 PPG and 6.7 APG, albeit not with the same efficiency as years past. Booker shooting just 34% from 3-point range, along with the Suns' middling record, hurt his chances. Since Jan. 1, Booker has played like an All-Star. He's boosted his scoring to 28.0 PPG on 48% shooting in that span.

Future chances: The West backcourt competition doesn't figure to get any less fierce, but Booker should be a leading contender if he can avoid serious first-half slumps.

Domantas Sabonis, C, Sacramento Kings

All-Star case: Although Sabonis is averaging fewer assists with the arrival of DeMar DeRozan, his scoring and rebounding are up more than during his past two All-Star campaigns -- and shooting 45.8% from 3-point range. Remarkably, Sabonis is fourth in the league in estimated plus-minus wins. Other advanced metrics don't rate Sabonis as well, but he's probably got a stronger case than Alperen Sengun aside from Houston's superior record.

Future chances: Sabonis should remain part of the All-Star conversation on an annual basis.

Amen Thompson, F, Houston Rockets

All-Star case: My hottest take is that Thompson is not only the strongest Rockets candidate not to make the All-Star Game but the best one, period. Advanced stats suggest he's been more valuable this season than his Bay Area-bound teammate Sengun, who has gaudier per-game statistics but has scored with below-average efficiency. Thompson has averaged 17.0 PPG, 9.7 RPG and 4.5 APG as a starter and was the West Defensive Player of the Month for January.

Future chances: When, not if. Having just turned 22, Thompson is scratching the surface of his potential. I would give him better than even odds of playing in the game next season.

Former All-Stars who fell short, but should bounce back

Scottie Barnes, F, Toronto Raptors

All-Star case: Barnes is averaging nearly the same combination of stats (20.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 6.3 APG) that earned him an All-Star debut last season at age 22. However, Barnes hasn't been nearly as accurate a shooter, going from a promising 34% on 3s to a career-low 26.8%. Add in Barnes missing 13 games, and he hasn't been in the mix.

Future chances: Still just 23, Barnes is far from his peak as a player. If he can rediscover last season's shooting touch, Toronto (with midseason acquisition Brandon Ingram) should be competitive enough to put Barnes in All-Star consideration regularly.

Luka Doncic, G, Los Angeles Lakers

All-Star case: If we were simply picking the best 24 players in the league or the biggest stars, Doncic would be an easy choice. The calf injury that sidelined Doncic for more than a month prevented him from being chosen, the first time since his rookie season (2018-19). Before adding Doncic via trade, the Lakers had no serious candidates outside of All-Stars Davis (now with Dallas) and LeBron James.

Future chances: The question is how many for Doncic in a Lakers uniform.

Tyrese Haliburton, G, Indiana Pacers

All-Star case: Despite scoring and assisting less frequently than his past two All-Star campaigns, Haliburton still rates as an All-Star-caliber player by most value metrics. Avoiding turnovers is a key subtle part of Haliburton's value. He's averaging under two, the lowest since his rookie campaign as a reserve. Additionally, despite battling health concerns, Haliburton is in the NBA's top 20 in minutes played.

Future chances: At 24 with two All-Star Games under his belt, Haliburton should have more opportunities.

De'Aaron Fox, G, San Antonio Spurs

All-Star case: Before a three-game absence in early January, Fox was well on his way to a second All-Star appearance, averaging 26.7 PPG and 6.2 APG on solid efficiency as a shooter. He dropped to 19.1 PPG and 40% shooting after returning, falling out of serious All-Star consideration. Since being dealt to San Antonio, Fox appears back on track.

Future chances: If the Spurs develop into contenders led by first-time All-Star Victor Wembanyama, Fox should have a good chance for additional appearances as the team's clear No. 2 player. It's unsurprising that Fox's one All-Star nod came in 2023, when the Kings finished third in the West.

Tyrese Maxey, G, Philadelphia 76ers

All-Star case: With veteran All-Stars Joel Embiid and Paul George missing extended stretches due to injury and not playing at that level when healthy, Maxey has kept the Sixers afloat in the play-in race. He's averaging a career-high 27.6 points and has nearly doubled his steal average to a career-high two.

Future chances: Had coaches voted after Philadelphia's four-game winning streak last month, during which he averaged 33 points, I wonder whether Maxey would have made it for a second consecutive year. We'll see how crowded the East backcourt race pans out, but Maxey should remain a strong contender.

Wasn't in the cards for these former All-Stars

Jarrett Allen, C, Cleveland Cavaliers

All-Star case: There was a reasonable argument for Allen to join his three Cleveland teammates (starters Donovan Mitchell and reserves Darius Garland and Evan Mobley) in the Bay. Although Allen is averaging just 13.6 points, down from 16.1 when he was chosen an All-Star alongside Garland in 2022, that's with incredible efficiency. Allen is shooting a career-high 69.8% from the field.

Future chances: As Mobley's star rises, Allen's will probably dim as far as individual awards are concerned. It might take an absence from a teammate for Allen to get enough shots to have a realistic chance.

Jimmy Butler, F, Golden State Warriors

All-Star case: Well, maybe if they held the vote before Butler lost his "joy" of basketball in Miami. With just 27 games played this season at less than his usual standard, Butler wasn't a serious contender. Then again, neither were any of the Warriors aside perhaps Andrew Wiggins, traded to the Heat for Butler.

Future chances: Would you believe Butler has only been an All-Star once in the past five seasons? That's a strong data point in the distinction between regular season and playoff value, but also reflects how Butler's brash nature may not play well with coaches. Keeping that in mind, Butler may need to help Golden State near the top of the standings to add a seventh All-Star appearance to his résumé.

Rudy Gobert, C, Minnesota Timberwolves

All-Star case: Eighth in offensive rating when they were 17-17 on Jan. 4, the Timberwolves have ranked in the league's top five since as they've moved comfortably above .500. Gobert remains their anchor at that end, ranking in the top five in opponent shooting within five feet, despite playing a smaller role offensively. His 10.8 PPG are Gobert's fewest since 2015-16.

Future chances: At 32, Gobert has probably played in his last All-Star Game, having made three with Utah.

Brook Lopez, C, Milwaukee Bucks

All-Star case: Lopez remains one of the NBA's top rim protectors. Opponents are shooting 55% inside five feet with Lopez as a primary defender, per Second Spectrum tracking on NBA Advanced Stats, putting him in the bottom 10 among players defending at least five such shots per game.

Future chances: Lopez sports a career-low 15% usage rate and will turn 37 in April. An All-Star in 2013 with Brooklyn, Lopez has no legitimate chance of reaching that level again during the twilight of a remarkable career.

Lauri Markkanen, F, Utah Jazz

All-Star case: Markkanen is clearly Utah's best player, but he hasn't performed at nearly the same level as when he made the All-Star team in 2023 or even last season. Markkanen's scoring has dipped to 19.2 PPG, his lowest with the Jazz, and he's shooting just 35% on 3s after being north of 39% the past two campaigns.

Future chances: It's starting to look like 2022-23 might be a high point in Markkanen's career. He'll turn 28 during the offseason, and while it's reasonable to expect Markkanen's shooting to bounce back, he may no longer be performing at an All-Star level by the time Utah is competitive enough to earn him consideration.

Andrew Wiggins, F, Miami Heat

All-Star case: An All-Star in 2022, Wiggins is putting up virtually identical numbers across the board in a bounce-back campaign after averaging a career-low 13.2 points in 2023-24. Wiggins was second on the Warriors in scoring before being traded to Miami and is one of just four players on the Heat's roster averaging more than 12 points this season.

Future chances: Now that Wiggins has joined the Heat, he'll be competing with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro for All-Star consideration, making it an uphill climb.

Nikola Vucevic, C, Chicago Bulls

All-Star case: Semi-serious question: Would the Bulls have traded Zach LaVine if the NBA gave every team an All-Star and he was their representative? After his trade to Sacramento, Vucevic is the only real option on Chicago's roster, and that would be a stretch. Vucevic isn't scoring as prolifically as when he made the All-Star team in 2019 and 2021 with the Orlando Magic, nor anchoring as strong a defense.

Future chances: At 34, Vucevic's All-Star days are surely behind him. The more interesting question is which member of the current Bulls is most likely to be an All-Star. The answer might be 20-year-old rookie Matas Buzelis, who will be in the Bay for the slam dunk contest.

Expect more chances for a first selection

Desmond Bane, G, Memphis Grizzlies

All-Star case: Bane has been the Grizzlies' most consistent No. 2 option after All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. and previous two-time participant Ja Morant. Bane slumped in November, averaging just 10.6 points while coming back from an oblique strain, but has posted 50/40/90 shooting splits over the past two months.

Future chances: Bane had more All-Star momentum in 2022-23, when he was Memphis' second-leading scorer at 21.5 points. Jackson's emergence as a primary offensive option might make it difficult for Bane to stand out as long as Morant is healthy and in the lineup.

Dyson Daniels, G, Atlanta Hawks

All-Star case: With Trae Young chosen as an injury replacement, Jalen Johnson sidelined by season-ending shoulder injury and De'Andre Hunter traded to the Cavaliers, Daniels is the best remaining choice for the Hawks. He's fourth on the team in scoring and leads the NBA with nearly three steals per game, making a compelling case for All-Defensive honors.

Future chances: As outstanding as Daniels' perimeter defense is, he'll probably need to contribute more than 13.7 PPG and 4.0 APG to become an All-Star candidate. Given Daniels is younger (22 next month) than nine first-round picks in the 2024 draft, that's certainly possible.

Luguentz Dort, G, Oklahoma City Thunder

All-Star case: Averaging 9.8 points, Dort would certainly be an unconventional All-Star pick. He's the most valuable perimeter defender on the NBA's No. 1 defense and has started nearly as many games as centers Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City's clear next-best player after All-Stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams when healthy) and Isaiah Hartenstein combined. Add in career-high 41.2% 3-point shooting and I think Dort has been the Thunder's third-most valuable player this season.

Future chances: As long as Holmgren is healthy, Oklahoma City's three talented young stars figure to hog any Thunder All-Star appearances for the foreseeable future.

Trey Murphy III, F, New Orleans Pelicans

All-Star case: Besides a lottery pick, Murphy getting to spread his wings has been the silver lining to the Pelicans' ill-fated season. He's averaging a career-high 22.6 points without sacrificing any efficiency as a scorer. Murphy is still shooting nearly 39% beyond the arc.

Future chances: At 24, Murphy is entering his prime. The question is whether New Orleans can be good enough to have a player merit All-Star consideration without having a star -- Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray or someone else -- surpass Murphy in the team's pecking order.

Jamal Murray, G, Denver Nuggets

All-Star case: Murray, who scored a career-high 55 points in Wednesday's win over Portland, has played like an All-Star. Since mid-December, he's averaging 22.9 points and 6.1 assists on 39.8% 3-point shooting and 93% from the foul line. Murray's track record gives him an edge over Michael Porter Jr., averaging a career-high 19.0 points while shooting 61.6% on 2s and 41.7% on 3s, as well as revitalized Russell Westbrook.

Future chances: Murray has a chance to go down as one of the NBA's best players never to make an All-Star Game. His career value ranks 12th in my wins above replacement player (WARP) metric among active players who have never been All-Stars, and he's the youngest player in the top 19. The next-best younger player: Porter, with teammate Aaron Gordon (ninth) also among the leaders. Denver hasn't had an All-Star besides Nikola Jokic since Carmelo Anthony.

Franz Wagner, F, Orlando Magic

All-Star case: If Wagner stays healthy during the second half, keeping him out of the All-Star Game because he missed 20 games will seem silly. Wagner has supplanted 2024 All-Star Paolo Banchero as Orlando's leading scorer this season, averaging a career-high 25.4 points on better efficiency, plus 5.0 assists. Add in Wagner's defensive contributions, and he's played at a clear All-Star level when healthy.

Future chances: Presumably, Banchero will rebound after struggling since returning from his more serious oblique tear. Banchero looks like an All-Star fixture but make room for Wagner in the Eastern Conference frontcourt alongside him if the Magic get back on track.

Wasn't a realistic shot this time around

Malik Beasley, G, Detroit Pistons

All-Star case: Of Detroit's veteran additions last offseason, Beasley has made the biggest impact as the Pistons have leaped into playoff contention. Despite coming off the bench most of the year, Beasley is in the running for second in the NBA in 3-pointers, making them at a 41.5% clip.

Future chances: Given how little Beasley does to fill out the box score, an All-Star appearance isn't realistic. Nonetheless, it's impressive how Beasley has rebuilt his value after playing last season in Milwaukee for the veteran's minimum.

Daniel Gafford, C, Dallas Mavericks

All-Star case: Gafford would have missed any All-Star activities after he sprained his right knee last week, adding to the Mavs' frontcourt injury woes. But he particularly excelled with fellow center Dereck Lively II sidelined, averaging 15 points, 9 rebounds and nearly 3 blocks in games Lively has missed. Gafford has created more of his offense while continuing to shoot 70% from the field.

Future chances: Once he returns to action, it's going to be difficult for Gafford to keep up this production. Not only will he be splitting time with another starting-caliber center in Lively, Gafford will compete for rim runs with newcomer Anthony Davis. Gafford had just five points in Davis' one game in Dallas before being sidelined by an adductor strain.

Josh Hart, F, New York Knicks

All-Star case: By virtue of their rock-solid starting five, the Knicks have multiple players on a long list for All-Star selections. Mikal Bridges, averaging 17.8 points, or OG Anunoby (16.4 points as the team's best defender) are more conventional choices, but I'm going with Hart's well-rounded game. At 14.7 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists, Hart is essentially delivering a prime Draymond Green season. And while Hart isn't a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, he's been a better scorer, shooting 61% on 2s.

Future chances: As long as New York's starting five is intact, Anunoby and Bridges probably have better chances of becoming All-Stars than Hart.

Cameron Johnson, F, Brooklyn Nets

All-Star case: One of the most interesting players not to change teams prior to last week's trade deadline, Johnson is averaging a career-high 19.2 points and shooting nearly 42% from 3-point range. Johnson is a more efficient scorer than teammate Cam Thomas, who's been limited to 19 games by injury, and contributes more on defense.

Future chances: Realistically, Johnson will probably never score this prolifically again. A trade this summer will likely send him to a supporting role on a contending team, similar to the one Johnson played with the Phoenix Suns before being dealt to Brooklyn.

Derrick White, G, Boston Celtics

All-Star case: I picked White on my first All-Star projections of the year, back when he was averaging 18.3 points through November. White subsequently fell into a shooting slump, hitting just 34% of his 3s in December and January. However, White's advanced stats remain strong. He ranks 13th, for example, in single-season estimated plus-minus (EPM) wins produced while playing a larger role than hot-shooting teammate Payton Pritchard.

Future chances: At 30, White might be running out of time to make an All-Star Game. His best chance will come if injuries allow him to play a larger role in the Celtics' offense than his current below-average 19% usage rate.

Ivica Zubac, C, LA Clippers

All-Star case: Zubac isn't scoring or creating as prolifically as guards James Harden and Norman Powell, more conventional All-Star candidates. However, Zubac anchors the NBA's second-best defense that has helped the Clippers remain competitive this season. He's also averaging a career-high 15.4 points on 60-plus-percent shooting. As a result, Zubac is in the top 20 in estimated plus-minus wins (EPM) -- ahead of Harden, chosen as a reserve, and Powell.

Future chances: It will probably take winning Defensive Player of the Year for Zubac to become an All-Star in the West. That would give him a similar case to the one that has made Gobert a three-time All-Star.

MLB rules? These teams' lone rep would be...

Deni Avdija, F, Portland Trail Blazers

All-Star case: Despite coming off the bench as recently as late December, Avdija has been the Blazers' best player during his first season in Portland. Since starting the year in a deep slump (17% from 3 over the first 11 games), Avdija has averaged 16 points on 49% shooting, including 37% on 3s.

Future chances: If Avdija can maintain above-average 3-point shooting in the larger offensive role he's playing this season, that could translate into All-Star consideration if he remains the Blazers' best player as they improve. However, younger teammates Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe might usurp that role.

Jordan Poole, G, Washington Wizards

All-Star case: Teams like the Wizards that aggressively rebuild are a strong case against the NBA ever considering the MLB's All-Star model. Poole is the only Washington player ranked in the top 140 of either estimated plus-minus wins (EPM) or my wins above replacement player (WARP) metric. He deserves credit for bouncing back from a disappointing first season with the Wizards but not All-Star attention.

Future chances: It will take Poole and his team making a leap for an All-Star appearance to be possible.

With a wild trade deadline in the books, the NBA shifts its focus to this year's All-Star Weekend. Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, who has been busy building chemistry with new teammate Jimmy Butler, turns his attention to playing host at the weekend's festivities in San Francisco. Curry will play alongside Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Phoenix Suns' Kevin Durant on Team Shaq. The trio shined on the Olympic stage in August as they led Team USA to a gold medal over Team France.

Victor Wembanyama has a chance to get his revenge Sunday, however, as he leads his fellow international stars, including MVP front-runners Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, on Team Chuck.

Wembanyama will also take the court Saturday night, alongside San Antonio Spurs teammate and 12-time All-Star Chris Paul in the skills challenge. Saturday will also feature a pair of attempted three-peats as Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard tries to win his third straight 3-point competition while Mac McClung goes for his third dunk contest crown.

Here's everything to know about the star-studded events, including who our experts think will come out on top.

Expert picks were voted on by a panel of NBA insiders including Chris Herring, Marc Spears, Michael C. Wright, Ramona Shelburne, Kevin Pelton, Dave McMenamin, Baxter Holmes, Ohm Youngmisuk, Tim MacMahon, Jeremy Woo and Bobby Marks.

Rising Stars | Skills challenge | 3-point contest
Slam dunk contest | All-Star tournament

Edey, Castle, Knecht! The Rising Stars are here to play

Friday, 9 p.m. ET (TNT)

The league's Rising Stars have a little something extra to play for this year. With the new All-Star Weekend format, the best of the four rising stars teams will earn a spot in Sunday's four-team tournament alongside this year's All-Stars.

The Golden State Warriors' Hall of Fame trio Run TMC will reunite in the Bay with Team T being coached by Tim Hardaway, Team M coached by Mitch Richmond and Team C coached by Chris Mullin, while Jeremy Lin will coach Team G League.

The action starts at 9:15 p.m. ET with Team C vs. Team T and continues at 9:55 with Team G League vs. Team M.

Which of these teams will earn a spot in Sunday's tourney and give the All-Stars a run for their money?

Game 1: Team C vs. Team T
Game 2: Team G League vs. Team M
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2

The winner of Game 3 will play in the All-Star mini-tournament Sunday

The 2025 #CastrolRisingStars rosters!

Friday, 2/14 at 9:00pm/et on TNT pic.twitter.com/sj8YUw4IWv

NBA (@NBA) February 4, 2025

This one is always tricky to peg on paper, but I'm personally excited to see the notoriously competitive twins Ausar Thompson and Amen Thompson reunite as teammates in this setting on Team M. Team T also looks strong, led by several quality sophomores such as Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Brandin Podziemski. While Team C isn't as loaded on paper as the other two, it's possible Zach Edey just takes over for the squad. And I'm curious to see Reed Sheppard, who has been waiting his turn for the Houston Rockets as an ostensible ringer for Team G League. -- Jeremy Woo

Expert pick: Team M

Celebrity takeover!

Friday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Owens returns to the game, but this time on the basketball court, and it won't be surprising if the former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver shows out. Owens, 51, last appeared in the All-Star celebrity game in 2010 but is best known for his off-the-backboard alley-oop dunk in 2009 from a Harlem Globetrotter. This time he'll be a few years older and going up against some young competition such as streamer Kai Cenat. Cenat advertised his appearance in 2024 with a mock basketball mixtape, but played sparingly in the actual game under coach Shannon Sharpe. This time around, coached by baseball legend Barry Bonds and rapper 2 Chainz, he'll look to bounce back. However, in his way is comedian Druski, who has advertised his matchup against the internet star as "Kai vs. Druski". It's a one-on-one matchup worth watching. -- Anthony Gharib

Tandem team-ups, high-flying dunks and a Dame three-peat?

Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (TNT)

The night kicks off with the skills competition, which features some formidable duos. Draymond Green and Moses Moody will represent the home team in the competition. Like the Warriors, the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers will be represented by a veteran and newcomer in Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. Victor Wembanyama makes his All-Star Weekend debut alongside one of the most skilled point guards of all time in Chris Paul. It'll prove tough competition for Team Rooks, Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr.

Oakland's own Damian Lillard will compete in this year's 3-point competition. A win would give Lillard a record-tying three straight wins in the event. And speaking of three-peats, two-time defending champ Mac McClung is looking for one of his own to close the night out.

Which dynamic duo will dominate the skills competition, and what do they bring to the table together?

Team Cavs (Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley)

It's fitting that Mitchell and Mobley are a tandem. New Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson altered the rotation from previous seasons to always pair Mobley with Mitchell, who had been attached to Jarrett Allen under previous coach J.B. Bickerstaff. The idea was to attempt to accelerate Mobley's evolution. It has worked, which is why Mobley has proved enough this season to stick around for the Sunday showcase. -- Tim MacMahon

Team Rooks (Alex Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher)

The top two picks from the 2024 NBA draft are teaming up. The two Frenchmen have not come into the league as heralded as previous top selections, but both have had flashes of success this season. Risacher has scored 30 points in separate games, one of only two rookies (along with Jared McCain) to do so in 2024-25, while Sarr leads all rookies in blocks (1.6 per game). A strong showing in the skills competition and during Friday's Rising Stars challenge could help introduce these rookies to a more national audience. -- Jamal Collier

Team Spurs (Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama)

They've spent all season up to this point working to improve their chemistry, but the skills competition presents a different challenge from figuring out how to attack opponents in screen-and-roll scenarios. The upshot is that both Paul and Wembanyama are not just skilled ball handlers but also gifted passers. Strictly from the standpoint of skill sets, Paul and Wembanyama should be favored to win this thing handily. -- Michael Wright

Team Warriors (Draymond Green and Moses Moody)

Green just recently returned from a calf injury that cost him seven straight games. And one game prior to that absence, he had missed three games due to illness and a back issue. Green has been back for six straight games and should be fun to watch in the skills competition with his versatility. Moody has seen an uptick in minutes since Jonathan Kuminga went down with a sprained ankle Jan. 4. During a 13-game stretch, Moody scored in double figures in 11 of them. In that same span, Moody hit three or more 3-pointers in seven games. -- Ohm Youngmisuk

Expert pick: Team Spurs

Dame time! What will it take for the Bay Area native to three-peat from 3?

Growing up across the Bay Bridge in Oakland, Damian Lillard fondly recalled attending All-Star weekend in 2000 as a kid and called it a full-circle moment to be back in the Bay Area for this one. But he's also no stranger to this event and the pressure that comes with defending his 3-point crown. The rest of the field might want to hope Lillard is distracted by a weekend of home cooking, but players such as Jalen Brunson (39.7% from 3) and Tyler Herro (38.8%) are going to be tough competition. -- Collier

Expert pick: Lillard

Jumping over cars or Shaq? Bold predictions for this year's bounciest competition?

I'm not sure whether San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle has the deep bag of creative tricks required to win the dunk contest, but he has the hops -- no doubt about that. I've seen seasoned scouts gasp at some of Castle's thunderous two-handed dunks in traffic given reason to believe that he can emerge to make a surprise impact on this year's event. -- MacMahon

Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Harold "Baby Jordan" Miner, Jason Richardson, Nate Robinson and Zach LaVine. Those are the names of all the legendary dunkers who have won the dunk contest at least twice. And Mac McClung will try to do something none of them have done: three-peat. Only Robinson has won the title three times -- but never three in a row. McClung is ready to make history Saturday night. -- Youngmisuk

Before the Spurs hit the road for their annual rodeo road trip, Castle was seen at the team's Victory Capital Performance Center putting in plenty of work in preparation for the event. When Wembanyama talks about wanting to see Castle "go crazy" at the dunk contest, pay close attention. Just imagine a scenario in which Castle attempts to sky over the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama with Paul sitting on the French phenom's shoulders. It could happen. -- Wright

I think we'll get one or two very creative dunks this year that will be worth checking out. Milwaukee's Andre Jackson Jr. had his entire head above the rim on a putback dunk attempt last season and that moment is still etched into my memory. Also, watch for Chicago rookie Matas Buzelis, who was working with LaVine on ideas before LaVine was traded earlier this month. -- Collier

The days of McClung are over. After seeing him win it two straight years, there's nothing new he can do. I am going to go with Castle. I heard rumblings of his behind-the-scenes practice for this competition and I am sure he will do something to include Wembanyama. There is a new sheriff in the dunk contest, and he's from San Antonio. -- Marc Spears

Expert pick: McClung

OGs vs. up-and-coming? International vs. homegrown? What to watch in the All-Star game

Sunday, 8 p.m. ET (TNT)

Another format change has been introduced to All-Star Weekend, with four teams of eight players going head-to-head in a mini-tournament.

Chuck's Global Stars, Shaq's OGs, Kenny's Young Stars and Candace's Rising Stars will compete for a prize pool of $1.8 million, but also on the line is All-Star MVP, claimed by Damian Lillard last year.

Kenny's Young Stars will face off against Chuck's Global stars in the first game, followed by Shaq's OGs against Candace's Rising Stars. The first team to 40 points will advance to the championship game.

Game 1: Kenny's Young Stars vs. Chuck's Global Stars
Game 2: Shaq's OGs vs. Candace's Rising Stars
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2

A crop of stars from around the world. A new generation taking the league by storm. All-time greats & OGs doing work.

Presenting the new team names for our #NBAAllStar squads! Watch them battle it out in The Bay on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 8:00pm/et on TNT. pic.twitter.com/5EnOmCjXvo

NBA (@NBA) February 12, 2025

Kenny's Young Stars

The young stars have a roster full of players with something to prove and I'll always be watching Anthony Edwards. At last year's All-Star Weekend, he vowed to shoot left-handed, doing so in the skills competition raising some eyebrows. This time around, with Team Shaq made up of old-guard players, he'll have something to prove. He's the player most likely to get his competitive juices going and try to show out to win MVP. -- Collier

Shaq's OGs

Can LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant keep the good times rolling? That future Hall of Fame trio had a remarkable run together while leading Team USA to gold in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The three players have a barrage of accolades under their belts, and their collective seven MVP awards should stand for something. Oh, and reigning Finals champion Jayson Tatum is on this team, too. Steve Kerr isn't coaching, so Tatum shouldn't have to worry about whether he's in the rotation. -- MacMahon

Chuck's Global Stars

There's a reason we haven't seen an American player win a regular-season MVP since 2018 (James Harden). The international players have staked a claim to hoops dominance over the years. And when you've got an international star such as Wembanyama saying that he doesn't "have any interest in making friends," at the NBA All-Star Game, you can expect a serious approach from a team led by a three-time MVP (Nikola Jokic) and one of the favorites (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) to win this year's award. -- Wright

Candace's Rising Stars

One 2024 NBA All-Star told me that the All-Star players have everything to lose and nothing to gain from playing the Rising Stars team this year, adding that it would be quite embarrassing for the young players to win the weekend. I'm worried that this could end up true, with the All-Stars appearing to care less and less about the game. So here we are. -- Spears

Expert pick: Shaq's OGs

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Left-hander Kyle Hart has signed a one-year contact with the San Diego Padres after one season in the Korean Baseball Organization, where he was selected as the league's top pitcher.

The Padres announced Thursday the signing of the 32-year-old Hart to a deal for this season that includes a club option for 2026.

Hart won the Choi Dong-won Award in the KBO last season after leading the league with 182 strikeouts. He was 13-3 with a 2.69 ERA in 26 starts, ranking second in the league for wins and ERA. He walked only 38 of his 631 batters over 158 innings.

In his only MLB action, Hart pitched in four games (three starts) for Boston during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. He was 0-1, allowing 24 hits and 19 earned runs over 11 innings.

The Red Sox took Hart in the 19th round of the 2016 MLB amateur draft out of Indiana University. He pitched over parts of eight minor league seasons for the Red Sox (2016-22), Seattle (2023) and Philadelphia (2023).

Tadhg Beirne has signed a new two-year contract with Ireland and Munster until 2027.

The forward made his Test debut in 2018 and has earned 58 caps, playing a key role in Ireland's back-to-back Six Nations title wins in 2023 and 2024.

The 33-year-old played every minute of the autumn Tests in November and started Ireland's opening Six Nations wins over England and Scotland this year.

Beirne was one of four Ireland players named in the World Rugby men's XVs dream team of the year for 2024.

He was also named Munster captain before the start of the season.

"It is a source of great pride to represent Ireland and Munster and I am delighted to continue to do so for the foreseeable future," said Beirne, who can play in the second or back rows.

"Playing in Ireland is a dream come true and I believe that Irish rugby is in a strong place with competitive environments across all of the provinces continuing to drive the highest levels of competition at national team level.

"I am hugely excited about the future and will do my best to hopefully deliver for our amazing supporters over the coming seasons."

"Tadhg is a world-class talent whose consistent levels of performance for club and country have been of the highest standards for many years," said IRFU performance director David Humphreys.

"Since breaking into the scene with Clongowes Wood College, Lansdowne and then into the Leinster Academy, he has taken the road less travelled and displayed enormous durability and consistency of performances in achieving league successes with the Scarlets and more recently Munster.

"For Ireland he has been a mainstay in the pack across a hugely successful era and it is a great boost for the IRFU and Munster Rugby, whom he captains, that he has extended his long association in Irish Rugby through until the Rugby World Cup 2027."

Bath forward Ewan Richards has signed a new contract with the club until 2027.

Richards - who can play across the back row - has made 40 appearances for the club since his debut in 2021, after coming through the club's academy.

The 22-year-old has been captain through last season and this campaign's Premiership Rugby Cup, with Bath having already booked their place in the quarter-finals of the competition ahead of their final pool game against Bristol on Saturday.

"I'm surrounded by world-class players and coaches, and really excited to see what the future holds and where this team goes," Richards said.

Richards, who has also represented England at under-20 level, has "developed as a player and a leader", said head of rugby Johann van Graan.

"Captaining the Premiership Rugby Cup team for the last two seasons, in line with what we are about as a group - tough to beat and all about the squad," Van Graan said.

"Ewan's best is definitely yet to come, and his versatility will be very important to the squad in the coming years."

Richards is the sixth player to agree new terms with Bath ahead of next season in recent weeks.

The 4 Nations Face-Off continues Thursday with the first matchup for the United States and Finland (8 p.m. ET, ESPN and ESPN+).

These countries have played six times in the eight previous best-on-best tournaments involving NHL players, according to ESPN Research. The U.S. has won four games, Finland won the most recent matchup (2004 World Cup of Hockey), and there has been one tie.

There are six sets of NHL teammates who will be playing against one another in this matchup:

• Carolina Hurricanes: Jaccob Slavin (USA) vs. Sebastian Aho and Mikko Rantanen (FIN)

• Dallas Stars: Jake Oettinger (USA) vs. Esa Lindell, Mikael Granlund and Roope Hintz (FIN)

• Florida Panthers: Matthew Tkachuk (USA) vs. Aleksander Barkov, Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen and Niko Mikkola (FIN)

• New Jersey Devils: Jack Hughes (USA) vs. Erik Haula (FIN)

• New York Rangers: Adam Fox, Chris Kreider, J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck (USA) vs. Urho Vaakanainen (FIN)

• Ottawa Senators: Jake Sanderson and Brady Tkachuk (USA) vs. Nikolas Matinpalo (FIN)

Who are the key players and matchups to watch? What are the most important statistics heading into this contest? Read on for all of that, plus betting intel courtesy of ESPN BET, and picks on the game from Victoria Matiash.

United States vs.

Finland

Thursday, 8 p.m. ET | ESPN/ESPN+
Bell Centre (Montreal)

Betting intel

Moneyline: USA -360 | Finland +280
Game spread: USA -1.5 (-125) | Finland +1.5 (+105)
Total goals: Over 5.5 (-120) | Under 5.5 (even)

United States

• This will be the 11th game the U.S. is playing in Montreal during an NHL international tournament. The country won Games 2 and 3 of the 1996 World Cup of Hockey Final in Montreal en route to winning the tournament. Of the 10 previous matchups played in Montreal, seven have come against Canada. The U.S. is 4-4 with two ties in 10 previous NHL international tournament games played in the city. The last time the U.S. played Finland in Montreal during an NHL international tournament was a 4-4 round-robin tie in 1981.

• Team USA has the youngest average age roster in this tournament at 28.0 years old, and the heaviest roster, at an average of 203 pounds.

• The Americans have four players who are leading their NHL teams in points: Kyle Connor (WPG, 69), Jack Eichel (VGK, 69), Jack Hughes (NJ, 65), Zach Werenski (CBJ, 59).

• Matthew and Brady Tkachuk will be the fifth set of American brothers to play together at an NHL international tournament. The others are Derian and Kevin Hatcher in 1996, Aaron/Neal Broten in 1984, Brian/Joe Mullen in 1984 and Curt/Harvey Bennett in 1976.

• Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (34 wins) has eight more wins than any other netminder in the NHL this season -- his U.S. teammate Jake Oettinger is second. The last goalie to have eight more wins than any other goalie was in 2015-16 when Braden Holtby (48) had eight more than Jonathan Quick (40). Hellebuyck has already tied a career high with six shutouts this season (2017-18 and 2019-20); he has almost as many shutouts (6) as regulation losses (7).

Finland

• Finland has 29 combined gold medals and championships at international tournaments from players on the roster for this event (Olympics, World Championships, World Cup of Hockey, World Juniors and under-18 World Champ), which is second behind Canada's 31; 14 of those golds came from players winning the World Juniors. Finland has three players on this roster who won bronze at the 2014 Winter Olympics, the last Olympics that involved NHL players: Olli Maatta, Aleksander Barkov and Mikael Granlund.

• In total, Finland medaled in four of the five Olympics that included NHL players, taking bronze in 1998, 2010 and 2014, and silver in 2006.

• Finland has three 20-goal scorers this season: Mikko Rantanen (26), Artturi Lehkonen (22) and Roope Hintz (22). Lehkonen's 22 goals are already a single-season career high, passing the 21 he had in 64 games in 2022-23.

• Sebastian Aho has scored 20 goals in each of his first nine seasons. The only Finnish players with longer streaks to begin an NHL career are Jari Kurri (13) and Teemu Selanne (11).

• Rantanen's 1.09 career points per game is second-highest all time among Finnish players, behind only Kurri (1.12). The trio of Kurri (1.12), Rantanen (1.09) and Selanne (1.00) are the only Finns to average at least a point per game in their NHL careers (minimum 10 NHL games).

• Juuse Saros has 117 wins since 2021-22, which is sixth in the NHL. Two of the five ahead of him are in this tournament: Connor Hellebuyck (USA) is first with 137, and Jake Oettinger (USA) is tied for second with Andrei Vasilevskiy at 128. Igor Shesterkin is fourth, with 127.

Picks for the game

Total goals under 5.5 (+115): Considering how superbly he's performed all season, Connor Hellebuyck -- the heavy Vezina Trophy favorite -- doesn't appear in position to concede many to a Finnish squad that's likely to rely on cohesive chemistry and stingy team defense to keep Game 1 tight. So that leaves us with the burning question of how badly, or not, does Finland starter Juuse Saros get lit up in Montreal against the high-powered Americans?

Perhaps not badly at all. Again, even without blue-line star Miro Heiskanen, Finland's defense -- including Esa Lindell, Niko Mikkola, Olli Maatta, and Jusso Valimaki -- will concentrate on stifling as many high quality chances as possible, helping out their array of two-way forwards.

Historically solid under pressure, the 29-year-old Saros will relish the opportunity to make something positive out of what's been the worst season of his career in Nashville. Guaranteed he's all over the idea of playing spoiler against an American squad that's expected to ruthlessly run over the tournament underdog.

Anytime goal scorer Kyle Connor (+220): Skating on a scoring line with center Jack Eichel and winger Matthew Tkachuk, as well as the secondary power play, the Jets sniper is going to find the back of the net this tournament. Prone to scoring in bunches, Connor is coming off a three-game drought heading into The 4 Nations Face-Off, which sets the table for an explosive start in Montreal. Again, skating on a line with Eichel is a convincing element here. -- Victoria Matiash

English Championship club Burnley made history by keeping a 10th successive clean sheet on Wednesday -- a record that means part owner J.J. Watt might have to make good on a bet that he would make a shock NFL return with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Watt, the former All-Pro defensive end, shared a text conversation with Burnley's James Trafford in December where the goalkeeper, at the very start of the streak, asked the 35-year-old to unretire and join the Bengals.

Watt replied: "You don't allow a goal for the rest of the season and it's a deal." He captioned the post: "This is starting to become a bit of a concern..."

Burnley haven't conceded a goal since that message was shared and on Wednesday became the first club in England's second-tier to keep 10 straight clean sheets after beating Hull City 2-0.

The former Premier League side are third in the table, three points off the automatic promotion places. There are 14 games left in the season.

After sharing the record on social media, Watt posted, "I mean I do love Graeter's and Montgomery Inn BBQ," referencing two famous Cincinnati food institutions.

Watt retired from the NFL in 2022 after 12 seasons, starting with the Houston Texans before joining the Arizona Cardinals. A former first-round draft pick, he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, 2014 and 2015.

Record Breaking!

First team in Championship history to keep 10 straight clean sheets.

Unbelievable.#UTC https://t.co/lKZWT9dtal

JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 12, 2025

Watt bought a minority stake in Burnley a year after his retirement. The Lancashire club take on Preston North End next on Saturday.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has said "there is no price" for teenage sensation Lamine Yamal as the player's long-term future lies with the Catalan club.

Yamal, 17, is one of the most exciting young talents in world football and has already won the Kopa Trophy and the Golden Boy award as Europe's best player under the age of 21.

"There are key players, and he is [one]," Deco said of Yamal to TV3.

"There is no discussion, there is no price. There have been no offers because we didn't even want to talk about it."

Barça president Joan Laporta claimed in October that the club had rejected an offer worth 250 million ($270m) for Yamal after the player helped Spain win Euro 2024.

Since making his first-team debut as a 15-year-old in 2023, Yamal has become a regular for club and country.

"He will surely be at Barça for many years, like Pedri and Gavi ... They will [all] remain here," Deco said. "The club must do its homework, and he [Yamal] will be here for many years."

Barça midfield pair Gavi, 20, and Pedri, 22, recently extended their contracts until 2030. Yamal's deal expires in June 2026, the maximum allowed by law for minors.

The Spanish winger, however, revealed earlier this year that he will soon sign a new contract with Barça, "the club of my life."

Yamal is expected to put pen to paper on a contract until 2030 when he turns 18 on July 13.

His talent has drawn praise from five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who believes Yamal will become "the best player of this new generation."

Deco, who played with Ronaldo for Portugal and alongside Lionel Messi at Barça, agrees Yamal is special.

"Yamal is one of the special ones," Deco said. "Not only does he have talent. He also has a different mental capacity."

Yamal has scored 11 goals and set up 14 more in 31 games for Barça this season.