NBA All-Star 2026: Team USA Stars vs Team World Kicks Off New Tournament Format

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game marks a significant departure from tradition, launching with a competitive new setup as Team USA Stars takes on Team World at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. Scheduled for 5 p.m. ET, this opening contest initiates a USA vs. World round-robin tournament, injecting immediate importance into what has often been a purely exhibition event.

Format and Coaching Details

Under the revamped structure, the winner of the Stars-World matchup will advance to face Team USA Stripes, creating a clear tournament pathway. If teams finish with identical records, point differential will serve as the tiebreaker to determine advancement. J.B. Bickerstaff coaches Team USA Stars, which features younger American talents like Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Maxey. Team World, built around established international stars such as Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić, presents a formidable challenge.

Roster Analysis and Availability

Both teams arrive with their active players cleared to participate, though injuries have necessitated several roster adjustments prior to the event.

Team USA Stars Roster:

Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors, Forward)
Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns, Guard)
Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons, Guard)
Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons, Center)
Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves, Guard/Forward)
Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder, Center/Forward)
Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks, Forward)
Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers, Guard)

As of February 15, no injuries have been reported for this group, ensuring full availability.

Team World Roster and Changes:

Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers, Forward)
Luka Dončić (Dallas Mavericks, Guard/Forward)
Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets, Center)
Norman Powell (Miami Heat, Guard/Forward; reassigned from Stripes)
Alperen Şengün (Houston Rockets, Center; replaces Shai Gilgeous-Alexander)
Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks, Center/Forward; eligible through the Dominican Republic)
Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs, Forward/Center)

The roster remains balanced at nine players after replacements, with key figures like Jokić and Dončić anchoring the lineup.

Injury Report and Strategic Implications

Several high-profile players were ruled out before the tournament, leading to strategic roster updates. Notably:

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) is out with an injury, replaced by De’Aaron Fox, who was moved to Team Stripes.
Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) is out with runner’s knee, replaced by Brandon Ingram on Stripes.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder) is injured and replaced on Team World by Alperen Şengün.

With these adjustments complete, both teams are expected to field their full selected squads without any questionable tags for the game.

First Meeting Under New Format and Key Matchups

This inaugural Stars vs. World game under the updated All-Star structure lacks a previous head-to-head record, adding an element of unpredictability. Early betting lines list Team World as a 2.5-point favorite, reflecting their perceived strength.

The clash hinges on contrasting styles:

Team USA Stars relies on speed and scoring bursts, with Tyrese Maxey averaging 25.9 points per game and Anthony Edwards leading at 26.7 points per game.
Team World leverages size and versatility, with Nikola Jokić averaging 12.8 rebounds and Luka Dončić recording 9.5 assists per game.

This stylistic showdown will determine which team moves one step closer to tournament victory, setting the tone for the future of NBA All-Star competitions.