NBA All-Star Weekend (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The NBA All-Star Weekend is still a few months away, but players from around the league are already making their case as candidates for the upcoming event in Toronto in February.
The All-Star games, slam dunk contest, skills challenge, and three-point shootout are among the events that are most awaited in the All-Star break in February. It is a moment where teams and players get to have a break before one final push at the playoffs.
The main-event of the break is a basketball game between the best players of the Eastern Conference teams and the Western Conference teams.
Bleacher Report has broken down a list of each team's All-Star player, although the selection will still have to depend on fans' votes. But for now, here are the early predictions for the East-West lineups.
East Starting Five:
PG - Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Irving has not been in action ever since injuring his left knee in Game 1 of the NBA Finals last season. But despite his absence from the Cavs' lineup and the entire league, Irving remains a favorite to be the starter for the East Team.
Irving is set to return, for the Cavs in January next year, which means the All-Star point guard could still catch up for the All-Star break competitions.
SG - Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat)
Wade is once again expected to get voted as the starting shooting guard for East Team in his potential 12th All-Star appearance.
Even a sidelined-Wade could still make it to the top of All-Star voting with his popularity among basketball fans already established.
Wade has been also leading the charge for the Heat, scoring 18.0 points and 4.4 assists in his first eight games.
SF - Lebron James (Cleveland Cavaliers)
In today's basketball era, Lebron James is one of the few players who is a sure shot in every All-Star games. It would also be James' 12th All-Star appearance and could bid for third NBA All-Star MVP award.
PF - Chris Bosh (Miami Heat)
Bosh is also a veteran in All-Star games and is projected to take part in his 11th appearance in the event.
After a life-threatening setback last year, Bosh has picked up where he left, averaging 19.0 points and grabbing 9.7 rebounds per game for the Heat.
C - Andre Drummond (Detroit Pistons)
Drummond has never been selected in an All-Star team, but this year could be his time after putting up solid numbers for the Pistons early in the season.
Drummond has significantly increased his numbers and is playing above career averages. In the Pistons' first eight games, the 6-foot-11 center has been averaging an impressive double-double of 18.8 points and 19.3 rebounds per game.
East bench:
John Wall (Washington Wizards)
Jimmy Butler (Chicago Bulls)
Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks)
DeMar Derozan (Toronto Raptors)
Nerlens Noel (Philadelphia 76ers)
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
Paul George (Indiana Pacers)
Kevin Love (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Head Coach: David Blatt (Cleveland Cavaliers)
West Starting Five:
PG - Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
Curry has been doing nothing but greatness in the NBA 2015-2016 season. From the Warriors' historical start to his 180+ points in the season's first three games, all are manifestation on how Curry is running the NBA show.
Curry will surely be voted as the leading candidate for this year's All-Star games, considering his fame from around the globe. Last year, he topped James in All-Star votes and it could happen again this season.
SG - Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers)
Bryant, a 17-time All-Star, is also another player who will surely be a starter in the West Team healthy or not.
Bryant is well known around the world and basketball fans still remember his hoop-greatness during his prime. Another factor that will surely propel Bryant into the All-Star games is his looming retirement from basketball, and fans would certainly love to see the "Black Mamba" for one last All-Star show.
SF - James Harden (Houston Rockets)
After moving to Houston in 2012, Harden has become a superstar and one of the most entertaining players in the NBA.
The "Bearded One" has found his rhythm after starting poor into the season. Harden, who averaged 28.9 points in his first eight games with Houston, is certain to continue his "cooking show" in his fourth All-Star selection.
PF - Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers)
The Western Conference is loaded with top power forwards, but Blake Griffin is, so far, the most entertaining and on top of the position.
Ever since his arrival in the NBA, Griffin has not missed an All-Star selection. Griffin has been effective as ever for the Clippers, scoring 25.8 points on 55.8 percent shooting, while grabbing 9.1 rebounds in the team's early campaign.
C - Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans)
Davis is one of the fastest rising stars in the NBA despite a poor start into the season. Basketball fans has been enjoying his game, along with his slam dunk highlights.
Davis has been with the league for only three years, but he is very well poised to earn his second consecutive All-Star selection in February.
West bench:
Russell Westbrook (OKC Thunder)
Kevin Durant (OKC Thunder)
Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio Spurs)
Tim Duncan (San Antonio Spurs)
Andrew Wiggins (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers)
Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks)
Demarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings)
Head Coach: Luke Walton/Steve Kerr (Golden State Warriors)
