NBA All-Star 2019 Predictions: What to expect from the match?

The 2019 All-Star Game will be played at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte on February 17th. The 68th edition of the Annual All-Star Games will only be the 2nd edition where the format won't directly be East v/s West.

Fans account for 50 percent of the votes to determine the 10 starters (5 from each conference) for the 2019 All-Star Game. All current NBA players and a media panel each account for 25 percent of the vote, with these voters completing one full ballot featuring 2 guards and 3 frontcourt players from each conference. Players may vote for their own teammates or themselves.

The NBA All-Star Team Captains will then draft their teams from the pool of players which are voted as starters and reserves in each conference making their selection regardless of conference affiliation. The captain will be all-star starters from each conference who receive the maximum fan votes.

Here is the latest vote count released by NBA.

Players likely to make their first all All-Star Team appearance -

Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers

Simmons was widely considered to be a top tier player by many analysts and a legitimate argument can be made that he was snubbed last year when he should have made the All-Star Team as a replacement for Kevin Love but instead, Goran Dragic was named an All-Star. This year, however, Simmons looks like a sure-fire All-Star.

Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors v Indiana Pacers

As of today, Pascal Siakam is the favorite to take home the NBA Most Improved Player Award. He's currently averaging 15 points and 7 rebounds per game. Originally drafted by the Raptors as a defensive specialist, Siakam has been a real revelation on the offensive end of the floor as well. The lack of All-Star caliber Forwards in the East makes Siakam a strong contender to be an All-Star this year.

Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic

Nikola Vucevic is the best big man in the league which nobody is talking about. He's quietly averaging 20.5 points and 12 rebounds per game. The only reason why he may miss out is that of his team's success this year or the lack thereof. But if you consider his individual season this year, he has done enough to get the All-Star nod.

Predicted starters

It's all fun and games at the All-Star break.

Eastern Conference Starters

G: Kyrie Irving, Celtics

G: Kemba Walker, Hornets

F: Joel Embiid, 76ers

F: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks

F: Kawhi Leonard, Raptors

Western Conference Starters

G: Stephen Curry, Warriors

G: James Harden, Rockets

F: Anthony Davis, Pelicans

F: Kevin Durant, Warriors

F: Nikola Jokic, Nuggets

Predicting the Eastern Conference starters is fairly straight-forward as the 3 players the frontcourt are elite two-way players. Joel Embiid is a Top 3 Center in the league. Kawhi Leonard has been on a scoring spree this season to add to his defensive prowess.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is an MVP candidate and is playing the best basketball of his career. He has the highest votes in the East and is cementing is place as the #1 Guy in the east after LeBron's departure to the West. Kyrie Irving has the second highest votes in the East and is the best point guard in the Conference. Kemba Walker may face some competition from Ben Simmons and Bradley Beal for a spot in the starting 5.

The backcourt of the Western Conference is a no brainer. Steph Curry and James Harden take the honors. Paul George, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, and Nikola Jokic are all deserving candidates but I believe that the latter 3 to make the cut.

Predicted All-Star MVP - James Harden

James Harden is undoubtedly the best basketball player in the NBA at the moment. His recent 61 point game against the New York Knicks at the Madison Square Garden is just a reflection of his recent run of form.

He's actually looking like a Top 5 offensive player of all time as of today. In his last 10 games, Harden has had 4 30 point games, 3 40 point games, 2 50 point games and 1 60 point game. He's destroying teams with his offensive prowess like Wilt Chamberlain and Kobe Bryant did in their primes.

It looks like Harden is chasing that NBA MVP award this season but in the process, he might also win the All-Star MVP award. During the All-Star Game when the defense is played with much lower intensity, don't be surprised if Harden surpasses Anthony Davis' record of most points scored in an All-Star Game (52 points)

I don't think anybody in the world right now has any idea about how to stop The Beard from scoring and I think he's going to win the All-Star MVP award this year.