Thu Feb 6 7:47pm ET
Field Level Media
LeBron James and Anthony Davis will be teammates once again -- not with the Los Angeles Lakers, but on "Team Shaq" in the 2025 All-Star Game.
"Inside the NBA" analysts Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley on Thursday drafted the teams for which they're serving as honorary captains in the All-Star Game's new format.
O'Neal picked James with the first overall choice. Smith picked Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards second overall.
"Team Chuck" has plenty of size with former MVPs Nikola Jokic (third overall pick) and Giannis Antetokounmpo along with Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns and Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama. This will be Wembanyama's first All-Star Game.
O'Neal added former MVPs Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and James Harden, but his most intriguing decision was to take Davis with his third selection. James and Davis won a championship together with the Lakers in 2020, but Los Angeles has struggled since, and Davis was shipped to Dallas in a stunning trade for Luka Doncic over the weekend.
NBA scoring leader Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32.8 points per game) is on Team Chuck.
The event is shifting to a four-team tournament with a pair of semifinal games and a final. The fourth team, made up of the best first- and second-year players and G League stars, will be called Team Candace and captained by WNBA legend Candace Parker.
The All-Star Game will be played Feb. 16 in San Francisco.
The full rosters are below, in order of player selection:
Team Shaq:
LeBron James, L.A. Lakers
Stephen Curry, Golden State
Anthony Davis, Dallas
Jayson Tatum, Boston
Kevin Durant, Phoenix
Damian Lillard, Milwaukee
James Harden, L.A. Clippers
Jaylen Brown, Boston
Team Kenny:
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota
Jalen Brunson, New York
Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis
Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City
Darius Garland, Cleveland
Evan Mobley, Cleveland
Cade Cunningham, Detroit
Tyler Herro, Miami
Team Chuck:
Nikola Jokic, Denver
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio
Pascal Siakam, Indiana
Alperen Sengun, Houston
Karl-Anthony Towns, New York
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland
Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (abdomen) is officially available for Saturday's meeting with Houston. It's a new era for the team, with AD arriving in Dallas from Los Angeles in exchange for Luka Doncic. As expected, he has had a quality year, averaging 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and 1.3 steals in 42 games with the Lakers. Davis had also remained relatively healthy until he suffered an abdomen strain during the Lakers January 28 loss to the 76ers. It may take him a few days to find his rhythm with his new squad. Yet, Davis should be extra motivated to produce, so an uptick in production could be on the horizon. Since he'll likely spend most, if not all, of his time at the four, category managers may also see a bump in three-point shooting. Davis' presence, along with P.J. Washington (personal, will likely result in Kessler Edwards and Dante Exum heading back to the bench, significantly capping their fantasy potential.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (calf) is listed as out for Saturday's meeting with the Pacers. However, according to multiple reports, he is anticipated to make his Lakers debut on Monday night against the Utah Jazz. Doncic, who was traded to the Lakers in exchange for forward Anthony Davis, played his entire career with the Mavericks. He's averaged 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists. Unfortunately, he's been limited to only 422 regular-season games in the last seven seasons due to various injuries, most recently sitting on the shelf after suffering a calf strain during the Mavs' Christmas Day loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. With that said, Doncic should immediately be featured in all fantasy lineups, assuming he officially gets the green light to suit up. But because conditioning may be an issue, fantasy managers may see below-average production for a game or two. With Luka in the mix, Austin Reaves and LeBron James won't be handling the ball as much, so both could suffer from a usage standpoint. Dorian Finney-Smith will presumably head back to the bench after logging 33 minutes on Thursday versus the Golden State Warriors.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Nets and guard/forward Ben Simmons have agreed to a contract buyout. The 28-year-old was at his best while a member of the 76ers. However, after he was traded to Brooklyn, his production declined significantly. Simmons has averaged 13.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.5 steals in 365 regular-season games throughout his career. Unfortunately, injuries and personal issues have caused him to miss plenty of time over the years. But now that he's a free agent, he'll likely draw interest from a number of teams around the National Basketball Association, even more so because of his versatility. Yet, it's hard to tell how impactful the former LSU Tiger will be from a fantasy standpoint until he inks a new deal. He'll also need to stay healthy.
Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (ankle) won't play on Saturday against the Mavericks. He tweaked his ankle during a meeting with the Brooklyn Nets on February 1 and has missed the last three games. As a result, Amen Thompson has been handling things at the one spot, so he should continue to see an increase in usage. The same can be said for Jalen Green, who had 28 points in Thursday's loss to the Timberwolves. Tari Eason could remain in the starting lineup, with Cam Whitmore getting the most minutes from off the bench. Whitmore has combined for 52 points in the last three games and remains an appealing streaming option while VanVleet remains on the shelf.
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (personal) is off the injury report heading into Saturday's meeting with the Rockets. The 26-year-old missed the last three games because of a personal matter. But he'll make his return on the same day Anthony Davis (abdomen) is expected to make his Mavs debut. Washington, who will likely slide over to the three spot, has averaged 14.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks this season. He's also shot 38.0% from Deep. However, with Davis, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and Daniel Gafford on the floor, Washington could see a dip in production. For now, he should remain starting for fantasy managers.
Dallas Mavericks forward/center Anthony Davis (abdomen) is probable for Saturday's game against the Rockets. Davis was sent to Dallas in exchange for Luka Doncic in what some consider to be the biggest trade in NBA history. As such, AD will now suit up for the third team of his career after averaging 24.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks in 778 regular-season games. There's a chance he plays less than the 34 minutes he has averaged throughout the 2024-25 campaign. However, Davis should be ready to roll and focused on making a positive impression in his first game in a Dallas uniform. He'll be playing the four, which could allow him to shoot more from behind the three-point line. But it may come at the expense of easy attempts close to the rim, potentially lowering his field goal percentage. With Davis back on the floor, P.J. Washington (personal), who is off the injury report, will slide over to the three spot, with Dante Exum and Kessler Edwards heading back to the bench after combining for 18 points as members of the starting lineup in Thursday's win over the Celtics.
Phoenix's G Devin Booker recorded a double-double, scoring 47 points with 11 assists in a 135-127 win over the Jazz on Friday, Feb. 7.
Spurs' G Stephon Castle scored 33 points on 10-of-15 shooting in a 116-117 loss to Charlotte on Friday, Feb. 7. Castle is owned in only 53.1% leagues.
Washington's G Jordan Poole scored 45 points on 16-of-32 shooting in a 124-134 loss to the Cavaliers on Friday, Feb. 7.
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (knee) is listed as questionable ahead of Saturday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Murray is at risk of missing his second straight game after sitting out on Thursday due to a knee injury. His absence allowed Julian Strawther to start, but he struggled with only two points in 31 minutes of action. Jalen Pickett did slightly better with five points and five assists in his 31 minutes on Thursday. Both players are possible deep league options if Murray is unable to play on Saturday.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (calf) is expected to suit up for Saturday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Gordon continues to deal with a lingering calf issue, but he has been able to play in each of the last two games. It's worth noting that guard Jamal Murray (knee) is in danger of missing his second straight game. Gordon has been doing more of the playmaking lately with 12 assists and then seven assists over his last two games. He figures to continue doing more ball handling if Murray is unable to play.
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler (trade) has been cleared to play ahead of Saturday's game against the Chicago Bulls. Butler was traded from the Miami Heat to the Warriors on Wednesday. As a result, Butler wasn't able to make his team debut on Thursday, but appears to be in line to play this weekend. Butler hasn't played an NBA game since January 21 due to his suspension in Miami. That being said, Butler might be limited during his first game with the Warriors. Regardless, fantasy managers in season-long formats should still get Butler in there. It'll be interesting to see how Butler blends with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in Golden State.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (elbow) is listed as questionable ahead of Saturday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Oh no, the Lakers could be in trouble with Luka Doncic (calf) ruled out and LeBron James (ankle) questionable as well. Reaves has been healthy throughout most of the season and appeared to be fine while playing 35 minutes on Thursday. If he sits, Gabe Vincent and Shake Milton figure to see increased roles in the rotation. Neither of them are extremely appealing streaming choices, but Vincent is the better choice between the two.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Saturday's game against the Indiana Pacers. The Lakers might be extremely shorthanded here with Luka Doncic (calf) already ruled out for this game. Honestly, James is on the injury report daily, so fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried about it. He's coming off a 42-point outing on Thursday and doesn't appear to be impacted by the ankle issue. If he does sit, Rui Hachimura and Dorian Finney-Smith would become more attractive fantasy options.
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (neck) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Turner only played five minutes on Thursday before exiting the game due to a possible concussion. The Pacers are calling his absence a neck strain, so Turner appears to have avoided going into concussion protocol. The absence of Turner does leave the Pacers shorthanded for Saturday's game. The expectation is that Obi Toppin and Thomas Bryant will be asked to play bigger roles in the rotation. Both players appear to be viable streaming options with Turner sidelined. Bryant posted a double-double on Thursday, so fantasy managers might want to play the hot hand.
Los Angeles Lakers center Mark Williamsis currently listed as questionable ahead of Saturday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Williams was dealt from the Charlotte Hornets to the Lakers on Thursday in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and two draft picks. It sounds like the trade is still pending, so fantasy managers might have to wait for his Lakers debut. Once active, Williams figures to be a must-start in fantasy leagues with Anthony Davis no longer in Los Angeles. If he sits Saturday, Jaxson Hayes figures to get the start at center, which gives him low-end streaming appeal.
Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (ankle) will be active ahead of Friday's game against the Utah Jazz. This is good news for the Suns with fellow forward Kevin Durant (ankle) heading to the sideline. That being said, Dunn figures to move into the starting five, which should mean increased fantasy value. Dunn has been pretty quiet lately, so Royce O'Neale might be the better streaming option right now. However, Dunn might be able to offer some low-end streaming value with extended playing time.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (ankle) has been downgraded to out ahead of Friday's game against the Utah Jazz. Durant will miss his second game in a row due to a left ankle sprain. It remains to be seen if Durant will be active for the second leg of the back-to-back set on Saturday. In the meantime, Royce O'Neale, Grayson Allen, and Ryan Dunn (ankle) will all be asked to pick up the slack with Durant sidelined. Both O'Neale and Allen are worth a look as streaming options with Durant and Bradley Beal (toe) headed to the sideline on Friday.
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (toe) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Utah Jazz. Beal has played in seven straight games, but will sit this one out due to left toe soreness. Possibly, the Suns decided to rest Beal with this being the front end of a back-to-back set. He'll join Kevin Durant (ankle) on the bench, so the Suns are going to be shorthanded for this one. That means, Ryan Dunn, Royce O'Neale, and Grayson Allen should all see increased workloads. Both O'Neale and Allen appear to be viable streaming options given the Suns are missing two of their primary scoring options.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (ankle) will not play on Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers. An ankle sprain initially left Cunningham with a questionable tag ahead of the game, but he has now been officially ruled out. Malik Beasley will replace Cunningham in the first unit. Beasley has been effective throughout the campaign, and his numbers usually receive a slight boost when he gets the nod to start. In 11 starts this campaign, Beasley has averaged 19.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
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