Will LeBron James’ veteran Team USA Stripes or Tyrese Maxey’s youthful Team USA Stars fare better in the All-Star Game?
From time to time, NBA.com’s writers will share their takes on the biggest storylines and trends around the league.
Which team will win the 75th NBA All-Star Game and why?
Editor’s Note: The 2026 NBA All-Star Game begins at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday on NBC & Peacock.
Steve Aschburner
Team USA Stars. Their roster looks most like a “We Got Next” assemblage of talent, ambition and eagerness to be the last group standing at the Intuit Dome. Team USA Stripes is a little too cool and creaky, while Team World will be without the twin engines of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Team USA Stars, which features Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Maxey and the rest, has the potential to compete and start changing the All-Star vibe.
Brian Martin
Team USA Stars. Team World was hit hard by the injury bug, which had me looking at the two USA teams. A year ago, it was Shaq’s OGs — a collection of veteran USA All-Stars — that won a similar tournament. USA Stripes is headlined by double-digit All-Stars LeBron James and Kevin Durant, but I’m not predicting a similar outcome this time around. Instead, I’m leaning toward the younger USA Stars, with ascending stars like Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Maxey, Cade Cunningham and Chet Holmgren ready to show out.
Shaun Powell
Team USA Stars. This much-anticipated contest lost a bit of luster with a handful of stars dropping out due to injury. Therefore, let’s go with the team that seems thirsty and will no doubt give this game the intensity it needs. Anthony Edwards, Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Maxey and Scottie Barnes are all unspoiled and they will compete and, it says here, win.
John Schuhmann
Team USA Stars. I’m guessing that the younger stars will be the most motivated to win, and that defenders won’t want to get in front of Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Maxey or Jalen Duren when they attack the basket.