Today’s NBA landscape rapidly evolves with talent developing into foundational pieces for their respective teams. The multitude of breakout stars this season is evidence of the dynamic shift within the league compared to a decade ago, and this upcoming All-Star Game in Indianapolis will be well-represented by a few fresh faces across TN sportsbooks ready for their debut appearance.
Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey, Toronto’s Scottie Barnes, and Houston’s Alperen Sengun are not only frontrunners for the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award, but are also among the favorites to earn their first-ever All-Star nods. Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies’ Desmond Bane has emerged as an up and coming player to be reckoned with, overshadowing the absence of the team’s franchise player, Ja Morant, amidst their struggles and a 6-16 record, so far. Should Bane continue his improved play until Morant’s return, expect him to be, at the very least, a West All-Star reserve.
With the midseason point of the NBA approaching, let’s explore the names of players expected to make their first All-Star appearance.
Last year’s NBA All-Star game featured 6 first-timers on the roster, so who will be the next? BetTennessee.com, your home for a ESPN Bet Tennessee promo code, developed hypothetical odds of which NBA players have the best chance of being a first-timer for the 2024 game.
Desmond Bane, Others' First-Time NBA All Star 2023-24 Odds
Can Bane Crack All-Star Roster?
The only guarantees to certainly debut in February’s All-Star game, according to our experts, are Tyrese Maxey (-450) with an 81.8% likelihood and Scottie Barnes (-250) with a 71.4% chance. The 23-year-old point guard is the 76ers’ second-leading scorer at 27 points per game, a seven-point improvement from last season while comfortably shifting into a starting role following James Harden’s exit.
Scottie Barnes is reaching career-best marks with 19.8 points, 9 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while leading the Toronto Raptors to a 9-14 record in a rebuilding year.
The Thunder’s Chet Holmgren and Rockets' Alperen both share -200 odds with a 66.7% likelihood of being invited to the All-Star game. Jalen Brunson, a six-year veteran and the oldest on this list, is currently -125 with a 55.5% chance of debuting next year.
Approaching the end of this list, the Memphis Grizzlies’ Desmond Bane is considered a coin flip to appear in his first-ever All-Star game. The 25-year-old is currently at +150 with a 40% likelihood of receiving an invitation. After 22 games, Bane is averaging a career-high 24.8 points and 5.3 assists. He also grabs 4.3 rebounds per game. With Morant returning to the team after 25 games, if the Grizzlies make a run and Bane continues his efficiency, the TCU product has a real shot at being the early season highlight if he makes the All-Star team, though it would be far from a safe bet on Tennessee betting apps.
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