A New Format for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game
The 2025 NBA All-Star game is set to break the mold of its traditional East vs. West format, introducing a fresh and exciting round-robin tournament. This innovative approach sees three teams, each handpicked by TNT analysts Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith, competing for the championship title. The tournament kicks off on Sunday, February 16, at 8 p.m. ET, with two semi-final games on TNT and truTV, followed by the championship final at approximately 10 p.m. Each game is capped at 40 points to maintain a fast-paced and engaging experience, addressing the lengthy and often high-scoring nature of previous All-Star games. This format not only adds a competitive edge but also ensures that the games remain thrilling for the fans.
The Exciting Lineup of All-Star Weekend Events
The NBA All-Star Weekend, hosted in San Francisco this year, is more than just the main tournament. It’s a basketball extravaganza that features a variety of thrilling events. The weekend kicks off with the celebrity All-Star game, where entertainers like Shaboozey, Noah Kahan, and Walker Hayes will showcase their basketball skills. Following the celebrity game is the Rising Stars competition on Friday, where some of the league’s most promising young players will face off. Saturday is dedicated to the dunk and 3-point contests, each designed to highlight the incredible talents of the NBA’s best shooters and dunkers. All these events lead up to the highly anticipated championship tournament on Sunday, ensuring that fans have a full weekend of basketball to enjoy.
How to Watch the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend
For those looking to catch all the action, the NBA All-Star Weekend will be broadcast across TNT and truTV. The semi-final games are scheduled to start at 8:20 p.m. and 9:10 p.m. ET, with the championship final airing at 10 p.m. ET. Viewers can tune in through various platforms, including Max, DirecTV, and Hulu with Live TV. Max is particularly noteworthy, offering the B/R Sports add-on for free for a limited time, providing access to live NBA games and All-Star Weekend coverage on TBS, TNT, and truTV. DirecTV is another excellent option, offering a comprehensive selection of channels, including ABC, ESPN, TNT, NBA TV, and 40+ regional sports networks, making it a go-to choice for NBA enthusiasts.
The Teams and Their Star Players
The 2025 NBA All-Star game features three teams, each captained by a TNT analyst and packed with some of the league’s biggest stars. Team Chuck, led by Charles Barkley, includes Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, Pascal Siakam, Alperen Sengun, Karl-Anthony Towns, Donovan Mitchell, and Trae Young. Shaquille O’Neal’s team, Team Shaq, boasts LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving (who replaces the injured Anthony Davis). Kenny Smith’s team, Team Kenny, features Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jalen Williams, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Cade Cunningham, and Tyler Herro. Each team is a mix of veteran talent and rising stars, setting the stage for an electrifying competition.
Preparing for the Weekend: Streaming and Subscription Options
To ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action, several streaming and subscription options are available. DirecTV is a top choice, offering a wide range of channels and the option to add NBA League Pass for out-of-market games. Hulu with Live TV provides access to TNT, ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV, making it an all-in-one solution for the All-Star Weekend. Max is another excellent platform, especially with the free B/R Sports add-on, which includes TBS, TNT, and truTV. Whether you prefer a cable bundle or a streaming service, there are plenty of options to tailor your viewing experience to your preferences.
Making the Most of NBA All-Star Weekend
The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco promises to be a memorable event, with a new format, a star-studded lineup, and a variety of exciting competitions. Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or a casual viewer, there’s something for everyone. From the celebrity game to the championship tournament, each event is designed to showcase the best of the NBA. With multiple ways to watch, you can enjoy the action on your favorite platform. So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready for a weekend of high-flying dunks, precision shooting, and exciting team battles. The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend is not to be missed!
