Since the beginning of the NBA season fans across the world have been voting for who they think should be starting for the East and West teams of the NBA All-Star Game. This Monday, January 18th, voting officially ended. After nearly 3 days of tallying up votes, the All-Star Starters were announced on Inside the NBA which airs on TNT.
The Western conference starters have Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and Kobe Bryant in the front court with Stephen Curry and Russell Westbrook in the backcourt. The lineup will most likely have Westbrook controlling the ball with Stephen Curry being shooting guard. Then, Bryant will be small forward and Leonard will run power forward. Durant will be at center because of his size and rebounding abilities. However, this lineup does mean that 4 players (Curry, Bryant, Leonard, and Durant) will be out of their natural positions.
The Eastern conference starters feature Lebron James, Paul George, and Carmelo Anthony as the down low men with Kyle Lowry and Dwyane Wade running the front court. The lineup will most likely feature James at center with Anthony at power forward and George at small forward. Lowry will run point guard with Wade at shooting guard.
With the West holding a significant advantage of both talent and all-star experience, they will definitely be considered the favorites to win the game. However, it’s the NBA All-Star game, and the beauty of the All-Star Game is that anything can happen.