NBA All-Star Weekend 2026: Format change, predictions, Slam dunk contest, 3-point winner, and players to watch

NBA All-Star Weekend returns for its 75th edition with Los Angeles hosting the league’s midseason event from February 13–15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. The main game will be played on Sunday night.This year brings a notable change. The NBA has shifted to a USA vs. World format, reflecting the growing influence of international players across the league. Several roster adjustments were made because of injuries. Brandon Ingram replaces Stephen Curry on the USA side, while Alperen Şengün joins Team World after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was ruled out. With teams finalized after the trade deadline, the focus now moves to on-court results.

NBA All-Star Weekend Slam Dunk Contest preview and prediction

The dunk contest includes Carter Bryant of the Spurs, Jaxson Hayes of the Lakers, Keshad Johnson of the Heat, and Jase Richardson of the Magic. The field leans toward young players known more for athletic ability than star power.

Favorite: Jaxson Hayes

Hayes enters with a slight advantage. Playing in the host city should help with crowd response, and his size and leaping ability fit what judges usually reward.

Top challenger: Jase Richardson

Richardson’s style is built on creativity. Guards often do well in this event because they combine control with timing, and a clean set of difficult dunks could put him in position to win.

Dark horse: Carter Bryant

Bryant has less national exposure but could use the stage to change that. Attempting original dunks or involving teammates may separate him from the group.Prediction: Hayes wins a close final against Richardson, though either Richardson or Bryant could produce the most talked-about dunk of the night.

NBA All-Star Weekend 3-Point Contest outlook

The contest features a mix of high-volume shooters and players comfortable from deep range. • Off-the-dribble guards: Players such as Jalen Brunson are used to taking difficult threes in games, which often translates well to the contest setting. • Stretch bigs and wings: Karl-Anthony Towns fits this category. His range allows him to treat long-distance shots as routine attempts. • Movement shooters: Catch-and-shoot specialists rely on repetition, even though the rack format differs from game action.Prediction: Towns is the pick to win. His release is consistent, and his range could help him score heavily on the money-ball racks.

NBA All-Star Game MVP candidates 2026

Team World features Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić, Victor Wembanyama, Deni Avdija, Jamal Murray, Pascal Siakam, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Şengün.

The USA roster includes LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Jaylen Brown, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Maxey, Cade Cunningham, and Ingram.- Luka Dončić is a strong candidate because of his ball dominance and passing ability.- Giannis Antetokounmpo benefits from open-floor play typical of All-Star games.- Victor Wembanyama could influence voting with a short stretch of standout plays.- LeBron James remains central to the USA team and is likely to handle key moments late.- Anthony Edwards has the scoring mindset to post a high total if given the opportunity.MVP prediction: Dončić leads Team World to a win with a stat line built on scoring and playmaking.

NBA All-Star Weekend Other storylines to follow

• The new format creates immediate competition for international and American players. • Injury replacements Ingram and Şengün have roles large enough to impact the game. • Los Angeles-based players may draw stronger crowd support throughout the weekend.With a new format, updated rosters, and several first-time participants in major events, the 2026 All-Star Weekend has clear points of interest across all three days.