NBA All-Star Game 2019: LeBron vs. Giannis Rosters and Players to Watch
The biggest superstars in the NBA converge on Charlotte, North Carolina, Sunday for the 68th NBA All-Star Game.
The All-Star Game is in the second year of its new format in which two players select the teams through a player draft.
LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo were named captains, and they made their respective picks Thursday.
James' team is headlined by Kevin Durant, James Harden and Anthony Davis, who has been the center of attention for the last few weeks in the NBA.
Antetokounmpo is joined by Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid and Kemba Walker, who is hoping to put on a show in front of his home fans at the Spectrum Center.
Team LeBron
Starters
LeBron James
Kevin Durant
Kawhi Leonard
James Harden
Reserves
Anthony Davis
Klay Thompson
Ben Simmons
LeMarcus Aldridge
Karl-Anthony Towns
Bradley Beal
Dwayne Wade
Team Giannis
Starters
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Stephen Curry
Joel Embiid
Kemba Walker
Reserves
Khris Middleton
Nikola Jokic
D'Angelo Russell
Nikola Vucevic
Kyle Lowry
Players to Watch
Anthony Davis
Even though the NBA trade deadline has passed, Davis' future is still one of the top topics of conversation across the league.
After the Los Angeles Lakers failed to trade for the New Orleans Pelicans star, Davis was put on a minutes restriction by the Pelicans.
On Friday against Minnesota, the minutes restriction stopped Davis from playing in the fourth quarter on his home court.
At the All-Star Game, Davis has an opportunity to impose his will while playing alongside other superstars on Team LeBron.
Davis is averaging 29 points, 13.3 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game, and he'll be counted on to be a force on the interior in a game where the smallest bit of defense can make a difference.
Then there's the intriguing aspect of who Davis' teammates are, as he's going to play with James and Kyrie Irving at some point.
When Davis is on the court alongside James, we'll get a glimpse at what the Lakers could look like in the future if they find a way to acquire the sixth-year player out of Kentucky.
Because the Boston Celtics are expected to jump into the market for Davis' services in the summer, it's worth watching how the big man plays alongside Irving, who could form a partnership with the Kentucky product in the future.
Kemba Walker
Based off what we've seen in recent games out of Walker, he's in line to have a big night in front of his home fans.
Walker, who averages 25.1 points per game, has reached the 30-point mark in four of the five games he's played in during the month of February.
In 28 home games, Walker averaged 24.6 points, 5.9 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game as the team's marquee star.
While most basketball fans are aware of Walker's production, they don't get to see him play every night because the Hornets aren't one of the NBA's high-profile franchises.
The All-Star Game presents a perfect opportunity for Walker to shine on a court where countless other superstars are trying to steal the show.
There is a precedent for All-Star Game participants thriving in their home arena, as Davis won the Most Valuable Player award at Smoothie King Center two years ago.
Since 2000, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant and Davis have earned MVP honors in their home arena at the All-Star Game.
Walker has the potential to add his name to that group, especially if he enters Sunday with a wave of momentum from his recent scoring surge.
Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90
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