Voting for the NBA All-Star starters started last week. In each conference, twelve players will be selected. Of those players, one will be the captain, who gets to draft his players from the 24 player pool. Here are our predictions for the players that will get the honor of being an all-star.
Eastern Conference Starters:
Guard #1 - Kyrie Irving, Celtics
Irving has carried the rather disappointing Celtics this season. He is averaging 23 points and 5 assists on 49% shooting from the field. He should easily be able to secure the starting point guard for the east.
Guard #2 - Kemba Walker, Hornets
This one came down to Kemba Walker vs. Victor Oladipo. While Oladipo's team is better, he is only averaging 20 points per game. Meanwhile, single-handedly carries the Hornets who are actually in the playoffs right now, and averages 25 points per game.
Frontcourt #1 - Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
The Greek Freak will likely be one fo the captains for the team, as he leads all voting so far. Giannis is putting up 26 points and 13 rebounds nightly while leading the Bucks to the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
Frontcourt #2 - Kawhi Leonard, Raptors
Kawhi is the best player on the best team in the league right now. His scoring and defensive abilities make him the best two-way player on the planet. Also, he averages 27 points per game to go with 50% shooting.
Frontcourt #3 - Joel Embiid, 76ers
JoJo is easily the best center in the league. He is nearly impossible to guard down low and can stretch the floor out to the three point line. He is putting up 27 points per night, along with 14 rebounds and 2 blocks, while leading the 76ers to the fourth seed in the East.
Eastern Conference Reserves:
Guards - Kyle Lowry, Victor Oladipo
Lowry is the second best player on the Raptors, and is averaging a career high in assists. Oladipo is among the best clutch players in the league too.
Frontcourt - Jimmy Butler, Blake Griffin, Nikola Vucevic
Despite some arguments with the front office, Butler has proven to be very good for the 76ers. Griffin is having the best season of his career with the Pistons. Vucevic is averaging 20/11 but does not get much attention for it.
'Wild Cards' - Andre Drummond, Bradley Beal
These spots go to two extra players regardless of position. Drummond is averaging 17/16 while Beal will need to do some heavy-lifting with John Wall done for the year.
Western Conference Starters:
Guard #1 - Stephen Curry, Warriors
Curry has proved that he is necessary for his teams success as they played miserably when he was sidelined. He also is averaging about 30 points per game and is shooting 45% from the three point line.
Guard #2 - James Harden, Rockets
Possibly the front-runner for the MVP, Harden just had an insane 40 point streak snapped. He is probably the best isolation player in the league, and has carried the Rockets back into the top four with Chris Paul injured.
Frontcourt #1 - Kevin Durant, Warriors
KD has overcome some early season drama with teammate Draymond Green and averages 29 points per night on over 50% shooting. He also dishes put 6 assists a game, which is a career high for him.
Frontcourt #2 - LeBron James, Lakers
No surprises here. The best player of our generation and the self-proclaimed GOAT will likely lead all-star voting again. He has turned the Lakers into a playoff team after their worst three year stretch in franchise history.
Frontcourt #3 - Anthony Davis
AD is another MVP candidate. Despite the trade rumors constantly swirling around him, The Brow is putting up 29 points and 14 rebounds per game. He carries the Pelicans into contention for a playoff spot.
Western Conference Reserves:
Guards - Damian Lillard, Russell Westbrook
Dame remains one of the most dynamic scorers and shooters in the league. Westbrook once again is averaging a triple double but has taken a back seat to Paul George this year.
Frontcourt - Paul George, Nikola Jokic, Karl-Anthony Towns
Paul George is having an MVP type season and has taken the lead for the Thunder. Jokic is carrying the injury riddled Nuggets to the top spot out West. KAT's team is not doing as good, but he is putting up 24 points and 12 rebounds.
'Wild Cards' - Tobias Harris, DeMar DeRozan
These players were the hardest to pick. Stars such as Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Devin Booker were all not included, but the race was very tight. Harris is having a career season and is the best payer on the surprisingly good Clippers. DeRozan is leading the Spurs into the playoffs after the loss of Kawhi Leonard.
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