NBA All-Star Free Pick, NBA Free Picks, NBA Predictions 2/16/25
- J.A. Cavalier
- Feb 16
- 2 min read
TEAM SHAQ @ TEAM CANDACE (SHAQ -6.5, 73.5)
TEAM CHUCK @ TEAM KENNY (CHUCK -3.5, 75.5)
NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS
NBA ALL-STAR GAME 2/16/25
Get ready for a spectacular showdown of NBA giants and thundering young talent at the revamped NBA All-Star Game. The court is ready, lined up with a collection of players boasting an incredible 86 All-Star selections combined, not to mention on-court earnings of $2.7 billion. Each player playing today has either tasted the sweet victory of the NBA championship, savored Olympic gold, or revelled in the glory of both.
Also in the mix is a fascinating lineup of promising young talents, waiting to prove their worth on the grand stage. It's a new format and a fresh take on the NBA All-Star game that promises to ramp up the competitiveness of this midseason classic.
Taking place tonight in the vibrant city of San Francisco, this All-Star game is no longer a battle between the East and West. Instead, it's a single-elimination tournament featuring four teams, three games, and a twist of David vs. Goliath drama to spice things up. The first team to 40 points wins tonight.
The teams have been named after basketball legends and TNT analysts Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Candace Parker. Smith's team will face off against Barkley's in the first semifinal, but the second game promises major intrigue. O'Neal's team, a constellation of basketball's greatest icons — LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, James Harden, Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum — will face a rising yet capable lineup of first- and second-year players.
There's no lack of talent on the Rising Stars team, featuring players like Stephon Castle, Keyonte George, Ryan Dunn, Zach Edey, Jaylen Wells, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Dalton Knecht, and Amen Thompson. Don't underestimate them. Their energy and speed promise a stiff challenge for the heaviest of the heavyweights.
The revamped All-Star format is an attempt to boost the spirit of competition. Last year, record-breaking scores and flashy performances did not quite hit the mark. The NBA is now looking for a game that engages fans and players alike and, of course, boosts ratings.
The 40-point, no-time limit games promise exciting, non-stop action. And to sweeten the deal, players on the winning team will each pocket a cool $125,000, while the runners-up won't be disappointed with $50,000.
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COACH RICK FREE PICK:
NIKOLA JOKIC 4+ POINTS
Jokic suits up for Team Chuck which is favored by 3.5 points over Team Kenny. Jokic will have guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Trae Young to feed him the rock. SGA leads the NBA in scoring and Young leads the league in assists. Surely, they can use their talents to drive and kick a couple to Jokic or dump the ball to him in the post.
