The 75th NBA All-Star Weekend has arrived at the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, bringing with it the most radical format change in the event's history. Gone is the traditional East vs. West showcase; in its place is a high-stakes USA vs. World round-robin tournament that has sportsbooks buzzing. As bettors scramble to analyze the new dynamics, oddsmakers have installed the star-studded Team World as the +160 favorite to capture the crown, despite significant injury news shaking up the rosters.

NBA All-Star Tournament Format 2026: How It Works

For the first time, the Sunday showcase will feature three distinct squads competing in a mini-tournament. The field consists of Team World (international stars), Team USA Stripes (veteran American superstars), and Team USA Stars (the next generation of American talent). This NBA All-Star tournament format 2026 is designed to inject genuine competitiveness back into the weekend.

The three teams will compete in a round-robin stage consisting of 12-minute games. The two teams with the best records (or point differential, in the event of a tie) will advance to the Championship Game—a final 12-minute sprint for the title and a $125,000-per-player prize pool. This shorter, sprint-style format is expected to favor teams that can lock in defensively from the jump, a factor that is heavily influencing the NBA All-Star 2026 betting odds.

Team World vs Team USA Betting: The International Juggernaut

Despite late scratches to heavy hitters like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Team World remains the consensus favorite at +160. The reason is simple: the projected starting lineup features a terrifying blend of size and playmaking that the American squads may struggle to match.

Led by the trio of Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, and Victor Wembanyama, Team World possesses a "cheat code" frontcourt. Bettors are hammering the international squad, anticipating that the Jokić-Wembanyama high-low passing game will be unstoppable in a 12-minute format. The addition of Karl-Anthony Towns (Dominican Republic) and injury replacement Alperen Şengün ensures they maintain a significant size advantage over their American counterparts.

Analyzing the American Split: Stripes vs. Stars

The decision to split the American talent pool by experience level has created an intriguing handicap for Team World vs Team USA betting.

Team USA Stripes (+160)

The "Stripes" roster reads like a future Hall of Fame ballot: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard headline a group that values IQ and precision. With Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell providing backcourt stability, this team offers value for bettors who believe experience will triumph in a tournament setting. However, the absence of Stephen Curry (injury) removes their most explosive quick-strike weapon.

Team USA Stars (+200)

Listed as the underdogs, the "Stars" roster features the league's most explosive young athletes, including Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, and Tyrese Maxey. While they lack the collective experience of the Stripes, their athleticism could be a decisive factor in the shorter games. Chet Holmgren and Scottie Barnes will be tasked with slowing down Team World's giants, a matchup that pundits believe contributes to their longer odds.

Victor Wembanyama All-Star Odds: The MVP Favorite

In the MVP market, all eyes are on San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama. Currently sitting as the +350 favorite, Wembanyama's unique skillset is tailor-made for this format. His ability to block shots and finish lobs makes him a highlight machine, and the "USA vs. World" narrative gives him a clear motivation to dominate on the global stage. If Team World advances to the final, expect Wembanyama to be the focal point of both the offense and the narrative.

Intuit Dome All-Star Betting Trends & Saturday Night Picks

The high-tech Intuit Dome is hosting its first All-Star Weekend, and early Intuit Dome All-Star betting trends suggest the lighting and visual backdrop are shooter-friendly. This is a key factor for tonight's NBA 3-Point Contest picks 2026.

While veteran Damian Lillard remains a popular pick at +400, sharp money is flowing toward rookie sensation Kon Knueppel (+330). The rookie has been shooting over 43% from deep this season and has the quick release necessary to thrive in the contest format. For those looking at legal sports betting NBA All-Star markets, the rookie's consistency offers undeniable value against the more volatile veterans.