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BasketballLeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo doubtful for the All-Star Game
Injured, the two captains of the teams who will face each other on the night of Saturday to Sunday during the NBA “star game” may forfeit.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (left) and LeBron James may not meet on the floor overnight from Saturday to Sunday.
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LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo, captains of the two teams due to face each other in the All-Star Game, were absent from Saturday’s events. They remain uncertain for the culmination of the All-Star weekend, this Sunday. James, who is due to lead ‘Team LeBron’, missed practice ahead of the All-Star Game while the ‘Greek Freak’, leading ‘Team Giannis’, did not take part in the agility trial which he had planned to argue with his brothers Alex and Thanasis.
“King James”, 19 times All-Star (a record shared with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, whom he recently dislodged from the throne of leading scorer in NBA history), must speak to reporters on Sunday before the game. The league said it “looks like” his injury won’t prevent him from playing. The Lakers star missed three games with a foot injury before playing 29 minutes on Wednesday in a big win over New Orleans. Antetokounmpo sprained his right wrist Thursday during Milwaukee’s win over Chicago and was replaced by teammate Jrue Holiday in the agility trial.
Many major players will be absent from the All-Star Game, including Stephen Curry, reigning NBA champion with Golden State (who had hosted the previous edition with 50 points scored, logically collecting the MVP trophy), Kevin Durant, just transferred from Brooklyn in Phoenix, and Zion Williamson, the New Orleans phenom.
On Sunday, the captains will take turns selecting players for their respective teams from among the available All-Stars. James is aiming for a sixth consecutive triumph in this format, having beaten teams led by Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Antetokounmpo, already. “I will try to select a very good team, declared the Greek. We’re going to play hard and hopefully we can enjoy the game and try to knock them down this time around.”
(AFP)
