The Math of the Midsummer Classic: 2025 NBA All-Star Starters Confirmed
NEW YORK — The NBA has officially tabulated the ballots, and the results for the 2025 All-Star Game in San Francisco are in. This year’s voting process highlighted a massive shift in the league’s hierarchy, as second-year phenom Victor Wembanyama leaped from “rising star” to the top of the Western Conference frontcourt list. While the fan vote (50%) initially leaned toward legacy names, the player (25%) and media (25%) ballots balanced the scales to reward the league’s most efficient statistical performers.
Have yourself a night, Dominick Barlow!
He has set a NEW career-high in PTS (26) 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YG0mWAObKI
— NBA (@NBA) February 3, 2026
The Western Conference: Experience vs. The New Guard
The Western Conference starters feature a blend of historic longevity and frightening youth. LeBron James earns his **21st All-Star selection**, extending his own record for the most in league history. However, the real story is the backcourt battle. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander edged out Stephen Curry for a starting spot thanks to a **32.5 PER (Player Efficiency Rating)** and a landslide victory in the player voting tier.
The West Starters:
- Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
- LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns)
- Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
The Eastern Conference: A Tight Race in the Backcourt
In the East, the frontcourt was a lock from day one. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum led the fan vote by over **1.2 million ballots**. The friction point was the second guard spot. While Tyrese Haliburton dominated the fan vote, Jalen Brunson swept the media and player ballots, ultimately winning the weighted tiebreaker to secure his first career All-Star start alongside a healthy Joel Embiid.
The East Starters:
- Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
- Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
- Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
- Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
Inside the Huddle
“The fans show love, but getting the respect of the guys you play against every night means everything. Being a starter isn’t just a popularity contest anymore; it’s a reflection of how you’re changing the game on the floor.” — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder Guard
The Bottom Line & What’s Next
The focus now shifts to the “Snub List.” With the starters locked, the league’s coaches will select the seven reserves for each conference, to be announced next Thursday. Keep an eye on the Western Conference frontcourt, where Anthony Davis and Domantas Sabonis are fighting for just two remaining lock-in spots. If the coaches prioritize winning percentage over raw stats, Sabonis may find himself on the outside looking in despite averaging a triple-double. The 2025 All-Star Game tips off at Chase Center on February 16.
