Always the hallmark of NBA All Star weekend, the 2019 All-Star game is sure to be another big one. LeBron and Giannis have been selected as team captains and got to pick from the top 12 players in each conference. The early consensus is that LeBron’s team is much stronger than Giannis’, however I think the line actually represents some value on Team Giannis. Let’s take a look at our 2 best bets in this exhibition masterclass.
Team LeBron
Oddly enough for an All-Star game, Team LeBron enter this one the very comfortable $1.34 favourite. LeBron did admittedly have a very solid draft, landing each of Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving to round out his starting 5. Whilst the lack of an elite starting big man may hurt against Joel Embiid, the offensive versatility of this lineup is just unmatched.
The reserves are equally as talented. Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns, and LaMarcus Aldridge all offer a solid two-way presence inside. Similarly, Klay Thompson, Bradley Beal, and Damian Lillard make for an excellent reserve backcourt that is capable of filling it up. Ben Simmons acts as an exciting Swiss-army knife, whilst Dwyane Wade is a ‘special addition’.
Team Giannis
As you’d expect in the All-Star game, Team Giannis is also stacked with talent. The inclusions of Stephen Curry and Paul George provide two legit superstars for Giannis to work with. Joel Embiid should enjoy a huge matchup advantage at Center here, whilst Kemba Walker will be keen to show out for his home town Charlotte fans.
Admittedly, the reserves for this group are somewhat lacking. Russell Westbrook and Nikola Jokic definitely spearhead this group and should provide a solid offensive floor. Veterans Kyle Lowry and Blake Griffin get another All-Star appearance, whilst first-timers Khris Middleton, Nikola Vucevic, and D’Angelo Russell will need to make a big impact.
Best Bets
Team Giannis $3.39
Whilst I think Team Lebron is the better side on paper, this is just too much value for a meaningless exhibition game. Team Giannis has the more well-rounded starting five and I expect huge days from Curry, George, and Embiid. Russell Westbrook has notoriously played very hard in the All-Star game and will likely do so again here. The lack of quality depth on the wing is somewhat of a concern, but the starters are so good that it more than makes up for it. Instead of taking the +6.5 points at even money, I think there is far greater value in the $3.39 moneyline for a game that is essentially a toss-up.
Over 300.5 Points
The points total has gone over this number in each of the last 4 and 5 of the last 6 All-Star games. Defence has become increasingly less important in these games, with the final score numbers to back these claims up. Given that we’re regularly seeing NBA totals over 240 points, 300 isn’t too much of a stretch here. I expect a ton of easy offence consisting of open 3’s, dunks and alley-oops in this one. Get in quick because this number is sure to rise.