NBA All-Star Weekend predictions: Expert picks for 3-point Contest, ASG MVP and more

  • Jack Maloney
  • February 14, 2026
The league’s midseason showcase is here, and with it comes a fresh round of predictions for a weekend built on star power, shooting, and viral moments. While the format of All-Star events keeps evolving, the core debates remain the same: Who catches fire in the 3-point Contest, and which superstar walks away with All-Star Game MVP?

The 3-point Contest has quietly become the crown jewel of Saturday night. In a league defined by spacing and pace, this event now feels like a referendum on the era itself. The safest pick usually leans toward the purest, quickest release among the field rather than the biggest name. Specialists who thrive on repetition and rhythm often outlast higher-usage scorers who are more accustomed to off-the-dribble looks than the rapid-fire, rack-to-rack cadence of the competition. Expect a movement shooter with a compact form and deep range to outduel volume scorers who rely on step-backs and side-steps.

As for All-Star Game MVP, the award typically tracks three factors: usage, narrative, and crunch-time control. The player most likely to seize it is usually a perimeter star who can dominate the ball, pile up points quickly, and orchestrate a few highlight connections with fellow headliners. Frontcourt stars can certainly win, but in a game that often devolves into a glorified pick-up run, the guard or wing who treats the fourth quarter like a statement stage usually has the edge.

One emerging trend to watch is how much pride the players bring to the defensive end if the league again emphasizes competitiveness late. That shift favors versatile two-way stars who can rack up deflections, transition buckets, and key plays on both ends in winning time.

Ultimately, All-Star Weekend predictions are less about certainty than about understanding incentives. The shooter who embraces the monotony of the racks and the star who leans into the spotlight when the game tightens are the best bets to define the weekend.