NBA All-Star Game Odds: Team LeBron Laying 6 Points

• Team LeBron opens the 2019 NBA All-Star Game as 6-point favorites.
• Team Giannis’ less-heralded team is still stacked. 
• Last year’s game failed to crack 300 points. 

If you were like me, you were watching the NBA All-Star Game draft and thinking, “Giannis is getting worked.”

https://twitter.com/micahpeters_/status/1093666627856392192

When the dust settled, and the rosters were put on the board, Team LeBron looked built for today’s modern game: fast, athletic, interchangeable, and adept at scoring and facilitating. Meanwhile, Team Giannis looked ready to compete in 1988: big, strong, and (mostly) dominating the restrictive area.

The 2019 #NBAAllStar #TeamLeBron & #TeamGiannis rosters as drafted by #LeBronJames and #Giannis! pic.twitter.com/AbvnyJjMsv

— NBA (@NBA) February 8, 2019

However, it’s not like Antetokounmpo drafted chopped liver. We’re in a basketball talent renaissance, people, an influx of legit talent that we haven’t seen since the early 90’s. How strong? The Undefeated’s  2019 All-Star snub team would, in years past, easily been an entire list of reserves.

Some recent developments (which we’ll unwrap shortly) will probably make this game closer than you think.

2019 NBA All-Star Game Odds

Team LeBron Guard/Wings a Murderers Row

There’s no way anyone picking teams should allow someone to have LeBron, KD, Kyrie, Kawhi and Harden as their starting five.

Along with Anthony Davis, that’s three of the top five scorers in the NBA, arguably the best defender in Leonard, the best guard finisher in Kyrie and, oh ya, the top scorer in All-Star Game history in LeBron.

Giannis’ biggest error was using the first overall pick of reserves on teammate Khris Middleton (yay for team building) when Davis was still on the board – though it did make for one of the best draft moments.

#TeamLeBron picks Anthony Davis. #TeamGiannis “Isn’t that tampering?” pic.twitter.com/Qi7fywlKGe

— Sportsnaut (@Sportsnaut) February 8, 2019

Also, while Giannis was reaching for every center available, James made his bench mob a lesser 2.0 version of the starters. Damian Lillard, Bradley Beal, Klay Thompson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Ben Simmons should keep the pace and scoreboards well stocked.

Team Giannis Combines Talent and Effort Players

While LeBron trading Russell Westbrook for Ben Simmons unites the Klutch clients, James also traded the player who goes hardest in All-Star games. 

George (28.7 ppg) and Curry (28.6 ppg) are also two of the top three scorers in the NBA, with Embiid (27.3 ppg) and Giannis (27.2 ppg) in the six and seven spot.

They don’t lack for scoring, and in the one stat significantly off between the two sides, their roster is +376 in rebounding.

Russell Westbrook drops 27 points to set a first half record in the all-star game. (2015) pic.twitter.com/mB8Rep9Ucb

— ThrowbackHoops (@ThrowbackHoops) January 30, 2019

Westbrook, Giannis – who seemingly plays hard each night – and Embiid would likely head the list of players who care every time they step onto the court.

Two years ago Giannis made his #NBAAllStar debut. Now, he’s an All-Star captain 👏

Check out the highlights from his first ever All-Star game ⭐️

Will he lead his team to victory on Sunday night? Find out live on @SkySportsNBA or NBA League Pass! 📺 pic.twitter.com/sEPP1f4zxP

— NBA UK (@NBAUK) February 15, 2019

Perhaps that will ignite two of the league’s MVP candidates this year: George, who once lit the All-Star game on fire, and Curry, who is shooting just 33.9% from deep in five games.

.@Yg_Trece nailed nine 3 pointers, and an All Star record in his 41 point scoring game! #NBAAllstar16 #NBAHighlightshttps://t.co/Jh7TumNqHR

— NBA India (@NBAIndia) February 16, 2016

Injuries Could Play a Factor

The most notable injuries are on Team LeBron, and they are significant. Irving injured his knee just a game after the team’s were announced, and hasn’t suited up since.

Celtics say Kyrie Irving (knee) is out vs Detroit.

Would seem to make it unlikely he plays at All-Star weekend in Charlotte.

— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) February 13, 2019

And in the showcase game prior to the All-Star Weekend festivities between the Thunder and the Pelicans, another twist was added to the Anthony Davis saga.

Anthony Davis's shoulder injury and video of him leaving the arena from TNT pic.twitter.com/krlMKTr1dt

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) February 15, 2019

These are two stars who presumably would be in crunch time against a lineup that probably looks like: Giannis, George, Curry, Westbrook, and Walker (hometown love, for sure).

Anthony Davis blocks Giannis’ dunk attempt!

Which freak do you think would win if they played 1-on-1? pic.twitter.com/Ev6gDei3fB

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) December 20, 2018

Davis might be the only one that could defend the Greek Freak one-on-one as Giannis has mashed almost anyone in his way this year.

What’s the Bet to Make Here?

I believe that Giannis is currently the best thing going in basketball, with PG a close second. With the new emphasis on effort and this excellent new format, this one is going to be close and I like team Giannis and the points.

Spread: Team Giannis (+6)

Moneyline: Team Giannis (+190)

Over/Under: Over 310.5

Our 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend Props Coverage:

• John Collins Favored to Win 2019 NBA Slam Dunk Contest
• Luka Doncic Favored to Win 2019 NBA Skills Challenge During All-Star Weekend
• Steph Curry Favored to Win 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend 3-Point Contest
• Luka Doncic and Ben Simmons Co-Favored to Win MVP at NBA Rising Stars Challenge
• 2019 NBA All-Star Game MVP Odds: LeBron James Listed as Favorite
• Team US Favored Over Team World in 2019 NBA All-Star Rising Stars Challenge
• Quavo Heavily Favored to Repeat as NBA All-Star Celebrity Game MVP