NBA All-Star Game Preview
It may be a game that is primarily played for fun but there is some serious betting going on today leading up to the NBA All-Star game.
Most of the talk leading into the game is about how much respect the newcomer to the All-Star game like DeMar DeRozan has for veteran teammates like Lebron James and Dwyane Wade.
There is a pretty big incentive to win the game, with a larger than ever cash prize up for grabs, but still it is mostly about entertaining the fans. Â Expect a lot of one-on-one play and a tight game. Here is the starting lineup for both squads as voted by the fans:
Eastern Conference | Western Conference |
| Kyrie Irving, G (Cavaliers) | Kobe Bryant, G (Lakers)* |
| Dwyane Wade, G (Heat) | Stephen Curry, G (Warriors) |
| Carmelo Anthony, F (Knicks) | Kevin Durant, F (Thunder) |
| Paul George, F (Pacers) | Blake Griffin, F (Clippers) |
| LeBron James, F (Heat) | Kevin Love, F (Timberwolves) |
*James Harden will replace the injured Kobe Bryant.
Last year Paul George was particularly impressive in the game, scoring 17 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals in a loss.  He could potentially steal the show this year after warming up in yesterday’s slam dunk competition.  As always, James could also put on a show.
The East is getting a lot of attention due to the veteran stars in the lineup. Â However, last year it was the Western Conference that won the game. Â With first timeer Stephen Curry in the lineup the West’s odds have only improved.
The West are the -3.5 favorites to win this game over at Bovada. Â The game will air on TNT at 8 p.m. ET.
