When the calendar finally turns from football, the NBA rewards us with an exhibition game. Yes, it is an exhibition game with all the biggest stars in the sport, players having sheer fun for a night, showcasing alley-oop combinations we otherwise fear to dream of even in free agency. But an exhibition game, nonetheless.

NBA odds surrounding the NBA All-Star Game creates a pile of betting opportunities, the Overs the obvious instinct given the egregious lack of defense from both the West and the East. But what angle specifically should be targeted?

Let’s find a distinct preference in my free NBA picks as I preview the NBA All-Star Game on February 18.

NBA All-Star Game odds

Odds courtesy of FanDuel as of February 18, 2024.

NBA All-Star Game format

After altering the All-Star Game format in recent years, the NBA is returning to its classic format of four 12-minute quarters and traditional scoring. It will also be East vs. West rather than two teams based on a draft from what we’ve seen in previous years.

NBA All-Star Game best bet 

Before beginning this handicap, two player props were in mind to target. Unfortunately, sportsbooks are not offering a prop on how many threes Karl-Anthony Towns will make.

The Timberwolves’ big man was one money ball away from winning his second 3-point contest last night. Since Jan. 1 — simply an easy cutoff date — he has shot 46.8% from deep. The All-Star Game’s habit of encouraging players to take shots from three or five or eight feet beyond the arc would fit Towns’ usual play just fine.

But the closest we can come to that suggest bet is Towns to score at least 15 points at +138 at FanDuel. Note: That cannot be parlayed with any other All-Star Game thought.

The other player prop considered before even opening up any sportsbooks, however, is available, and it is available at a reasonable number.

Only one player passes the ball more prolifically these days than Trae Young does, Tyrese Haliburton’s rapid ascension taking some shine off Young’s usual numbers. Tyrese Haliburton averages 14.7 assists per 100 possessions this season, a full pass more than Young’s 13.7.

Young balances that out by scoring two more points per 100 possessions, but one might wonder if Young is quietly bothered by Haliburton knocking Young off the mantle as the league’s best high-pace point guard.

Young was not initially selected as an All-Star, arguably a direct result of Haliburton becoming a starter, along with Jalen Brunson’s continued development, Tyrese Maxey’s improvement, and Donovan Mitchell’s comfort in Cleveland. Young is no longer the young point guard of note in the East, and that downgrade is deserved, given Atlanta’s continued struggles.

But among those names, the All-Star game may be best suited for Young. Brunson’s delightful fundamental game will be an ill fit tonight. Aside from a few highlight-worthy dunks, Mitchell may also be an awkward piece tonight. Maxey should have to pay some dues and ride the bench for most of this scrimmage.

That leaves Young. Someone known for his passes, someone possibly eager to reclaim some status, someone who embraces the showmanship of this exhibition better than anyone else in the NBA aside from Luka Doncic and perhaps Anthony Edwards.

Betting on Haliburton’s assists prop tonight would make sense if it were not so lofty, set at 10.5. In front of his home crowd, of course Haliburton should put on a show, but who knows what the rotations will look like. Furthermore, there are actually fewer assist chances per possession for guards in this game than usual, given how often big men will take the opportunity to advance the ball and elicit hijinx.

Young’s more reasonable number of 7.5 assists makes far more sense, a number he would usually reach in just about 55 possessions.

There will be many more trips up and down the court than that tonight, all stats skewed by the exhibition nature of this comedy. Young should convert enough of them to remind the NBA and its fans that he should have been an All-Star all along.

My best bet: Trae Young Over 7.5 assists (-113 at FanDuel)

NBA All-Star Game MVP Odds 

Few players have dominated the NBA’s mid-season classic quite like King James. The 39-year-old superstar has averaged 22.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in his previous 19 All-Star game appearances and was named All-Star Game MVP in 2006, 2008, and 2018. Oddsmakers believe a fourth trophy is well within his reach.

Past NBA All-Star Game MVP Winners 

NBA All-Star Game trends

• Bob Petit and Kobe Bryant share the most All-Star Game MVPs all-time with four apiece. 
• Jayson Tatum holds the record for most points scored in an All-Star game with 55 in 2023. 
• Sunday will mark LeBron James’ 20th All-Star selection, breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most all-time. 

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