Say what you want, but the NBA All-Star Game is still the best of all professional league All-Star games in North America (have you tried watching the NHL All Star Game?). There will be a healthy dose of electrifying dunks, crazy dimes, and fancy dribbling in Charlotte this coming Sunday, but there could also be drama. After all, LeBron James just picked Anthony Davis to be part of his team while Russell Westbrook and Joel Embiid, who are known enemies on the court, are teammates. Read on for a preview of this Sunday’s matchup below.
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Betting Preview for the NBA All-Star Game on February 17 2019 Featuring Team Lebron vs Team Giannis
Where: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
When: Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019 8 PM ET
NBA All Star Weekend Betting Odds:
2019 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Odds
2019 NBA Skills Challenge Odds
TV Broadcast: TNT
Betting on Team LeBron
Starters:
- LeBron James
- Kevin Durant
- Kyrie Irving
- Kawhi Leonard
- James Harden
Reserves:
- Anthony Davis
- Klay Thompson
- Damian Lillard
- Ben Simmons
- LaMarcus Aldridge
- Karl-Anthony Towns
- Bradley Beal
- Dwayne Wade (special addition)
Team LeBron is stacked. We know that sounds a bit redundant to say since all of the players here are elite, but just look at The Kings starting five: himself, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving. LeBron and Durant are basically 1A and 1B in terms of greatness today. Plus Durant and the presence of Leonard will provide the West terrific defense to complement the many things they can bring to the table on the offensive end of the floor. Harden will be Harden. Then there’s Irving, who will look to relive his playing days with James back when the two were still part of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The reserves for Team LeBron aren’t too shabby either. Anthony Davis could have been a starter, while Damian Lillard and Klay Thompson are both powder kegs waiting to get lit up. Rounding up the roster are Ben Simmons, LaMarcus Aldridge, Karl-Anthony Towns, Bradley Beal, and Dwayne Wade.
Betting on Team Giannis
Starters:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Steph Curry
- Joel Embiid
- Paul George
- Kemba Walker
Reserves:
- Khris Middleton
- Nikola Jokic
- Russell Westbrook
- Blake Griffin
- D’Angelo Russell
- Nikola Vucevic
- Kyle Lowry
- Dirk Nowitzki (special addition)
Team Giannis has some ridiculous amount of talent as well. And that’s probably selling this team’s lineup short. Along with Giannis Antetokounmpo in the starting five are Joel Embiid, Paul George, Stephen Curry, and Kemba Walker. Embiid is arguably the best big man in the NBA today and teaming him up with Antetokounmpo sounds unfair even in an All-Star Game. Embiid should benefit with Curry attracting attention in the 3-point area, but the effect can be vice versa. George is putting up insane numbers this season, while Walker will give Team Giannis the advantage in crowd support. On the bench for Team Giannis are an insane rotation of guards in Russell Westbrook, D’Angelo Russell, and Kyle Lowry, while Nikola Jokic will be a terrifying presence on the floor as Embiid’s top backup. Also part of the second unit are Khris Middleton, Nikola Vucevic, and Dirk Nowitzki.
Writer’s Prediction
Team LeBron defeats Team Giannis in a high scoring affair, 135-128.
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