It’s that time of year again—where NBA DFS strategy takes a backseat to alley-oops, logo threes and absolutely no defense. The 2025 NBA All-Star Game is more of a high-paced showcase than a traditional matchup, making it a unique challenge for DraftKings fantasy basketball players.
With four teams in play, DFS players have an expanded pool of elite talent to choose from. But not all stars are created equal in this setting—some players coast through the weekend, while others seize the spotlight. Understanding who will dominate in this high-scoring format is key to building a winning lineup. Let’s break down the top NBA DFS picks for the All-Star Game and identify the best plays for DraftKings contests.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $150K All-Star Game Special [$50K to 1st] (ASG)
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Guard
Stud
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Team Chuck vs. Team Kenny ($7,800) — MVP Resume-Builder — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t just an All-Star—he’s in the thick of the MVP race, and this game serves as another showcase for his elite numbers. Averaging over 30 points per game on absurd efficiency, he leads the league in steals per game while maintaining a true shooting percentage north of 63%—a level typically reserved for big men living at the rim. His midrange game is automatic, his ability to finish through contact is elite, and his defensive impact puts him in a class of two-way superstars. With the national spotlight on him, this is another chance for SGA to reinforce his case as one of the league’s best. While others may take a casual approach, expect Gilgeous-Alexander to take full advantage of the open floor, carving up defenders and reminding everyone why his MVP bid is very real.
Value
Stephen Curry, Team Shaq vs. Team Candace ($5,300) — Hometown Spotlight — With the All-Star Game in the Bay Area, Stephen Curry is primed to deliver a performance that lives up to the moment. Few players embrace the spotlight like Curry, and in a game built for highlight plays, expect a shooting clinic. Whether it’s deep threes, no-look shots or transition pull-ups, he’ll keep the crowd engaged while racking up fantasy points with pure efficiency. Opposing All-Stars might give him the ultimate sign of respect—failing to contest his shots, knowing it won’t make a difference. Given his ability to dominate without high usage and his flair for the dramatic, Curry is one of the top plays on the slate.
Forward
Stud
Amen Thompson, Team Candace vs. Team Shaq ($4,900) — Hometown Star on the Rise — Amen Thompson is quickly emerging as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars, and the Rising Stars Game in the Bay Area—where he grew up—offers the perfect stage to showcase his evolution. Now in his second season, Thompson has taken a major leap, using his elite athleticism, defensive versatility and playmaking ability to impact the game at a high level. His relentless energy makes him a perfect fit for this up-tempo setting, where he can thrive in transition, attack the rim and rack up rebounds, assists and steals. With the added motivation of playing in front of a home crowd, Thompson is primed to stand out and solidify his place as one of the league’s future stars.
Value
Dalton Knecht, Team Candace vs. Team Shaq ($3,200) — Green Light Special — The Rising Stars Game is all about showcasing talent, and no one has more motivation to grab the spotlight than Dalton Knecht. After being caught in a recent trade fiasco that left his future uncertain, Knecht has every reason to remind the league what he brings to the table. This game format is tailor-made for his YOLO three-point chucking—defensive intensity will be nonexistent on the perimeter, giving him the freedom to fire away without hesitation. While the fantasy ceiling in this contest is generally low due to limited minutes and scattered production, a sharpshooter like Knecht could rack up points in a hurry if he catches fire. With extra motivation and an unchecked green light, he’s a high-risk, high-reward DFS play worth considering.
Center
Stud
Victor Wembanyama, Team Chuck vs. Team Kenny ($8,200) — Making a Statement — For most first-time All-Stars, the weekend is about soaking in the moment—but Victor Wembanyama isn’t wired that way. The rookie phenom isn’t here just to enjoy the festivities, he’s here to prove he belongs among the league’s elite. Leading the NBA in blocks per game and altering shots at a historic rate, Wembanyama’s defensive presence is unmatched, even in an exhibition setting. While others might ease into the game, expect Wemby to play with purpose—whether it’s swatting shots, running the floor for transition dunks or showing off his perimeter skills. This is more than just an All-Star debut for him, it’s an opportunity to make a statement on the league’s biggest stage.
Value
Trayce Jackson-Davis, Team Candace vs. Team Shaq ($3,600) — The Rising Stars X-Factor — Playing in front of his home crowd, Trayce Jackson-Davis is in a perfect spot to dominate the paint in the Rising Stars Game. He’s the only true big man on his team, and in a game where young players often bring more energy than their veteran counterparts, that gives him a clear advantage. His opponents lack a true center or anyone willing to battle inside, meaning Jackson-Davis should control the glass, get easy buckets around the rim and rack up defensive stats. With the added motivation of playing in the Bay Area, expect him to maximize his minutes and stand out as one of the most productive value plays on the slate.
