Oklahoma City Thunder Well-Represented as NBA All-Star Weekend Debuts New Format
For the second year running, the Oklahoma City Thunder will have a strong presence at the NBA All-Star Game - and this time, it comes with a twist.
Chet Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have both earned All-Star nods, a testament to the Thunder’s rising status in the league. Holmgren, the versatile 7-footer with guard-like skills, will suit up for the USA Stars squad. Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s been playing like an MVP all season, was selected for the World team - though unfortunately, he’ll miss the game due to injury.
This year marks the debut of a new All-Star Game format: USA vs. World.
Instead of the traditional East vs. West or Team LeBron vs.
Team Giannis setup, the league is shaking things up with three squads - USA Stars, USA Stripes, and World - competing in a round-robin tournament. It’ll all unfold over four quarters, with teams rotating in and out, and players showcasing their skills in a more dynamic structure.
When and Where to Watch
The All-Star Game tips off on Sunday, February 15 at 4 p.m. CT from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Fans can catch the action streaming live on Peacock.
What to Watch For: Will the New Format Spark Real Competition?
Let’s be honest - the All-Star Game has struggled in recent years to deliver real on-court intensity. It’s often more of a highlight reel than a hard-fought battle.
But with this new U.S. vs. World format, there’s hope that national pride might inject some much-needed edge into the matchup.
The big question: Will players lean into the competitive spirit, or will it be another laid-back showcase? That remains to be seen, but there’s certainly potential for fireworks.
Injury Watch: World Team Down Two Superstars
The World squad took a major hit with the absences of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Giannis Antetokounmpo - two of the top three players in the league this season. Their injuries leave a significant void in both playmaking and leadership. Without them, the World team still has firepower, but the odds have shifted.
USA Stars: Loaded with Scorers and Defensive Upside
If you’re looking for the team with the most balance, the USA Stars might be it. They’ve got elite scorers in Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Maxey, and Devin Booker - all capable of putting up points in bunches. And defensively, they’ve got length and versatility with Scottie Barnes and Chet Holmgren anchoring the group.
Holmgren’s inclusion is especially notable. The rookie big man has been a two-way force for the Thunder, impacting games on both ends with his shot-blocking, floor spacing, and basketball IQ. This All-Star appearance is just another step in what’s shaping up to be a special debut season.
All-Star Rosters: Who’s Playing
Here’s a look at the full rosters for each squad:
USA Stars
- Scottie Barnes (Raptors)
- Devin Booker (Suns)
- Cade Cunningham (Pistons)
- Jalen Duren (Pistons)
- Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)
- Chet Holmgren (Thunder)
- Jalen Johnson (Hawks)
- Tyrese Maxey (76ers)
- *Coach: J.B.
Bickerstaff (Pistons)*
USA Stripes
- Jaylen Brown (Celtics)
- Jalen Brunson (Knicks)
- Kevin Durant (Rockets)
- De’Aaron Fox (Spurs)
- Brandon Ingram (Raptors)
- LeBron James (Lakers)
- Kawhi Leonard (Clippers)
- Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers)
- Stephen Curry (Warriors)*
- Coach: Mitch Johnson (Spurs) (*Curry is injured)
World
- Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers)
- Luka Doncic (Lakers)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)*
- Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)
- Jamal Murray (Nuggets)
- Norman Powell (Heat)
- Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
- Pascal Siakam (Pacers)
- Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks)
- Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)*
(*Injured)
- Coach: Darko Rajakovic (Raptors)
Odds Breakdown: Tight Race Among the Three
According to BetMGM, the World team is still slightly favored at +155, but the injuries to SGA and Giannis may swing momentum toward the American squads. USA Stripes comes in at +160, while USA Stars sits at +200 - a tempting value given their offensive firepower and defensive potential.
Thunder’s All-Star Impact Reflects Bigger Picture
While Holmgren and SGA’s selections are a nice feather in the cap for Oklahoma City, they also signal something bigger: the Thunder are no longer just a rebuilding story. They’re a legitimate force in the Western Conference, with young stars who are earning league-wide respect.
SGA’s injury means fans won’t get to see him on the All-Star stage this year, but his presence on the roster speaks volumes. He’s been a nightly highlight reel and a steadying force for a Thunder team that’s eyeing a deep playoff run.
And for Holmgren, this All-Star nod might be the first of many. If his rookie season is any indication, he’s just getting started.
Bottom Line
With a new format, a fresh venue, and a mix of rising stars and established names, this year’s All-Star Game has the ingredients to be something different - and maybe even something special. Thunder fans should be proud: their team’s fingerprints are all over this weekend.