By Rory Zeman

National/World Editor

Nearing the halfway-point in the NBA season, fans are eager to see where their favorite players lie in this year’s All-Star voting to get into the All-Star game. With the voting coming to a close, the NBA, for the third time, released returns on the votes, giving fans an idea of whether their favorite players will end up in this year’s All-Star game in Utah.

In the western front court, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is not only holding the most votes for a western forward, but also the most votes in the league. In his 20th season in the league at age 38, James is still putting up some of his best numbers. He averages 29 points per game, along with an astonishing eight rebounds and seven assists. Furthermore — picking up the second-most votes in the western front court — defending two-time-MVP Nikola Jokić from the Denver Nuggets averages a 25-point triple-double with his 11 rebounds and ten assists per game. Coming in third place is Los Angeles Laker Anthony Davis.

In the western back court, Golden State Warrior Stephen Curry is leading amongst the guards. Curry has averaged a solid 29 points per game this season after his Final’s MVP earlier this year. In second in the western back court is Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić. Dončić leads the league in scoring with his impressive 34 points per game and is also a fan-favorite to win this year’s MVP. Additionally, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is in third place, with a career-high 27.5 points per game along with eight assists per game.

In the east, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo leads in votes while averaging a career-high 31 points per game, along with having 12 rebounds, the second most in the league. Furthermore, Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant is second in the eastern front court while averaging 30 points per game. In third place comes Eastern Conference Finals MVP Jayson Tatum, who is averaging a career-high in points and rebounds, with 31 points and eight rebounds per game.

In the eastern backcourt, Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving leads in voting with 25.5 points per game. In addition, Donovan Mitchell, after being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers during the off-season, is in second place with a career high of 28.5 points per game. In third place, after helping the Celtics get to the 2022 finals, is Jaylen Brown who is averaging a career-high in points and rebounds with 27 points per game and 7 rebounds per game. 

As voting comes to an end, fans are excited for one of the most talent-packed NBA All-Star games ever. The game will take place on Feb. 19 in Salt Lake City and will feature the greatest basketball players in the country.

(Source: NBA)

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