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NBA All-Star voting began last week, and as always, it is a fun time for NBA fans. The fan voting returns will be revealed on Jan. 4, 11 and 18. Then the week after, TNT will reveal the final results and who will start for their respective conferences. Christmas was a “3-for-1 Day,” where fan votes count three times. There will be other days (Jan. 1, Jan. 5, Jan. 12, Jan. 15, and Friday, Jan. 19) during the voting period. With Christmas being a “3-for-1 Day,” that day was the perfect opportunity to vote. So, like everyone who votes for All-Star, I made my choices. Here are five players that could become All-Star starters in the East.
Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard is adjusting well to his new home. He averages 26.2 points, 7.0 assists and 4.5 rebounds. He is also a seven-time All-Star who can bring excitement to the game. Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks are second in the Eastern Conference, and if everything goes well, they could have a deep playoff run. Lillard will remain a key player in the Bucks’ success and could help them get another championship. Before that, fans could see him and his new teammate in the All-Star game together.
Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers are currently in a play-in tournament spot (and are dealing with injuries) but Mitchell remains an impactful player. Mitchell averages 27.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.8 steals. He was a starter last year, and although there is some competition this year with guards like Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Haliburton, and Trae Young, Mitchell still has a shot. However, Mitchell could come out on top and be named a starter.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokoumpo remains one of the most talented players in the NBA. He is averaging 30.8 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks. In other words, he is doing it all. Antetokounmpo has been team captain of the All-Star game multiple times in the past, including last year when his team beat Team LeBron. With the All-Star game returning to the East vs West format this year, he will not be captain. However, there is a good chance he is the leading vote-getter in the East. Antetokounmpo is practically a lock for the All-Star game, and he will bring excitement as always.
Jayson Tatum
Our hometown guy, Jayson Tatum is having a nice season. He currently averages 26.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists. His play this season has helped the Boston Celtics stay on top of the Eastern Conference. Tatum is a four-time All-Star, and last year, he won the All-Star MVP. There is a good chance that Tatum will make the game as a starter, and he could be on the path to his second All-Star MVP.
Joel Embiid
To close out the frontcourt, the next choice is Joel Embiid. Embiid remains an exceptional center, and this season he averages 35.0 points, 11.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks. The Philadelphia 76ers are currently third in the East, and Embiid plays a big role in their success. Embiid is having an MVP-caliber year and he should be a shoo-in as an All-Star starter.