NBA All-Star Game odds and best bets

After a less than enthralling All-Star Saturday night, I am hopeful we will get a fun game Sunday evening. At the very least there will be a lot of talent in the house as the NBA recognizes many of its past stars.

Kudos to Karl-Anthony Towns. I didn't think the big man had it in him, but suggesting Luke Kennard was not too far off the mark. The Three-Point Shootout was definitely the highlight of the night. 

I kind of liked the Skills Competition, but determining a winner by launching shots from half-court was pretty silly (and it cost me).

Don't even get me started on the Slam Dunk Competition (even though I called Obi Toppin). When people complain about the end of an NBA game taking too long with timeouts and such, at least it is because the game is close and there is some drama. It is not so players can swap their shoes and grab their phones. The arena was dead for this thing, so why are we supposed to care at home?  Well...I digress.

Game info

Team Durant vs. Team LeBron
Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
8 p.m. ET
TNT

Betting odds

Spread: Team Durant +6 (-110), Team LeBron -6 (-110)
Total: 323.5
Moneyline: Team Durant +194, Team LeBron -234

Best Bets

Team LeBron -6

This is an All-Star Game, and the captains did their draft thing, so it is hard to come out and say that one team is significantly better than the other. However, I love the way LeBron "put together" his team.

They have lots of ball-handlers and skilled passers, and that is going to be why they win. You do not win an All-Star Game down low.

With LeBron leading the way, I think this more naturally unselfish team is going to find an easy rhythm and enjoy lobbing it to Giannis Antetokounmpo and having Steph Curry bomb from anywhere on the court. 

All-Star MVP: LeBron James (+600)

I do not want to say the fix is in, but I do think there is a strong narrative to give the MVP Award to LeBron in Cleveland. That, combined with his continued excellence, makes him a very strong play, which is why I am surprised that he is not at the top of the odds table. Giannis is there, and deservedly so, but it is just the situation, plus the Greek Freak got a chance to yuck it up with his brothers Saturday night. Look for LeBron to lead his team to victory and grab the award.

Luka Doncic over 14.5 points (+105)

Doncic has been on fire in February, and I am looking for him to have a great game "anchoring" the second unit for Team LeBron. There are not actually a lot of big-time scorers once you get past the starters for Team LeBron, so he is actually a nice pick for top scorer in the game if you want to go big (+2500).  Getting to 15 points should be easy.

Top scorer Trae Young +2000

Gotta have one pick from Team Durant, right? Joel Embiid is the top player, but it is often harder for big men to get theirs in a game like this, as the game is just moving too fast. That is why I like Young, who will shoot it from anywhere. I can see him and Steph having a little fun, and it may lead to a big night for Young as his team loses. 

Remember this is an exhibition game, not the time to go "all-in" with your bets.