You are used to it now. Every Thursday, the NBA takes stock of the votes for the next All-Star Game in Cleveland. In the Eastern Conference, no change from last week, we find the same Top 5 even if the fight remains tight for the position of second back behind DeMar DeRozan.
It is precisely on this number 2 spot among the guards that we still find a little suspense while waiting the final results which will be revealed on January 27. A spot for three places, a spot always occupied by Bring Young (2,147,111 votes) but where Zach LaVine (1,988,452) and James Harden (1,962,928) have clearly not said their last word. Less than 200,000 votes currently separate this trio and everything seems possible in the days to come. However, it’s hard to see LaVine rejoining her boyfriend DMDR (4,121,034) at the top as he is currently in the infirmary and is not expected to return to the pitch for at least a week. Of course, that’s not stopping the Chicago fanbase from coming together to vote en masse to have a 100% Bulls backcourt, but the momentum isn’t exactly in favor of Zach. As for Harden, we expect him at the turn with the absence of his friend Kevin Durant and if he manages to string together MVP-caliber performances by next Thursday, there’s a way he’ll get behind DeRozan. It’s up to him to step-up to earn his starting spot, because we can count on Ice Trae not to let go. Despite the Hawks’ slammed season, Young is carrying out an XXL individual campaign, he who still released a performance of 30 points – 11 caviars against the Bucks during MLK Day then another at 37 pawns – 14 assists against Minnesota last night, while that for two consecutive wins (which hadn’t happened in ages in Atlanta…).
???? 3th return of fan votes for the All Star Game 2022! pic.twitter.com/TZQw824Vtg
– TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) January 20, 2022
On the frontcourt, we remain on the three-headed monster that has dominated the debates since the opening of the votes. Despite his injury which could prevent him from participating in the All-Star Game on February 20, Kevin Durant remains first (5,496,513) ahead Giannis Antetokounmpo (5,124,925), while Joel Embiid is quite far behind but still third (3,305,229). No one will dislodge these guys, especially not Jayson Tatum given his current level. The real question, as mentioned above, is whether KD will be able to be present for the all-star game. Given the length of his absence, which is four to six weeks, it looks very unlikely and suddenly, we think that Giannis could become captain given that he is number two in the total number of votes in ballast. However, we must not forget that KD was in a somewhat similar situation last year and that hadn’t stopped him from assuming his role as captain during the All-Star Game draft. As a reminder, he forfeited the all-star game because of a hamstring injury, all after having collected the most votes in his conference. If KD is indeed out for the match, it will be necessary to monitor who will take his place as holder, an announcement which will be made by the NBA. Last year, the honor went to Jayson Tatum, while Domantas Sabonis took advantage of the free spot to join the All-Star class.
Important point to keep in mind, the end of the votes is scheduled for January 23rd. So if you want to send Goga Bitadze to the All-Star Game, now is the time to give it your all. Otherwise, we are already meeting next Thursday – when the official announcement of the holders – to take stock of all the results.
Text source: NBA
