The Association's "midseason" classic is upon us, with the NBA All-Star Game set to headline All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah on Sunday, February 19.
As lax as the defense might be, this is the best collection of basketball players on any court on Earth each year, and the recent incorporation of the Elam Ending has added intrigue to the game's final frame.
And whether you're anticipating the highlights, or just tuning in for the spectacle, bettors can get involved even before the tip, with NBA All-Star Game Draft odds listed for Sunday's pregame selection spree.
With Team LeBron on the clock, let's check out the odds:
NBA All-Star Game Draft odds
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Luka Doncic | +320 |
| Joel Embiid | +400 |
| Kyrie Irving | +425 |
| Jayson Tatum | +425 |
| Nikola Jokic | +450 |
| Ja Morant | +800 |
| Donovan Mitchell | +1,400 |
| Lauri Markkanen | +5,000 |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook, February 14, 2023.
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Favorites to be taken first in NBA All-Star Game draft
Luka Doncic (+320)
Usage God Luka Doncic sits as the overall favorite, and he's the type of malleable do-it-all dynamo that it's easy to plug pieces around for an all-out offensive onslaught. Picking him would ensure smooth piloting for LeBron James, locking up likely the most complete offensive player in the game.
Joel Embiid (+400)
Joel Embiid went second among eligible players last season (Giannis Antetokounmpo was picked first). Likely seen by the GMs as the superior scorer to Nikola Jokic, he is favored in a spot where LeBron could elect to go big with the first pick and Giannis instead of Durant on the opposing board.
Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum (+425)
While Kyrie Irving's no doubt a headache in actual locker rooms, he's still revered as a scorer by his peers, and LeBron was noticeably annoyed with the Lakers' recent failure to acquire him from the Nets.
Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum's been putting in one of the league's most complete seasons for its best team, and has very much earned inclusion in the discussion of the NBA's very best players.
NBA All-Star Game Draft notes
- The 2023 All-Star Game Draft will pit team captains LeBron and Giannis' GM skills against one another. LeBron will again have the first pick as the leading overall vote-getter.
- Unlike past years, the 2023 Draft will take place 30 minutes prior to the All-Star Game's tipoff.
- In last year's draft, LeBron selected Giannis with the first pick (as he did in 2021), while "East" captain Kevin Durant chose Joel Embiid.
