You might feel lonesome on Valentine’s Day. But you shouldn’t despair, because you have the NBA All-Star Game 2016 being played that same day and it promises to be a doozy with the caliber of players that will be taking the court. Keep reading for this game’s preview…
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The team rosters have been announced and barring any injuries, most of those expected to play will undoubtedly be putting on a show of points and passion. Let’s take a look at each team to determine who might win.
Team West
The game is being played in Toronto, so West will be the road team in this game. It’s being coached by San Antonio Spur Gregg Popovich and for the most part seems to have the upper hand on paper.
With the reigning MVP, Golden State Warrior Stephen Curry, as a starter as well as OKC’s Russell Westbrook, this team is a power to be reckoned with. And, as if these two weren’t enough, they also have Sacramento’s DeMarcus Cousins (the NBA’s best man on center), and New Orleans Pelican Anthony Davis, among the top five players in the league right now. That’s not all, you also have the legendary Laker’s Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant who plays with Westbrook in the Thunder.
Team East
West appears to be the better team, that’s without a question. But, East is not to be taken lightly (you’d be crazy to and we’ll tell you why). East has King James on its side, as well as Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade and the Bull’s Jimmy Butler, one of the best point guards out there.
Game Prediction: Both teams pack a heavy punch. But, West has the better shooters and this game tends to be won by those who can score more at the beginning. With Curry and Thompson on the West’s roster, there’s no denying that all of us will see enough three-pointers to satisfy our hunger and this means that the West will probably win.
A Bigger Question: Who Will Take Home The MVP Award?
There’s no shortage of MVP talent playing in this game. In fact, four of the past five All-Star MVPs will be taking the court on Sunday. Kobe has snatched it four times, while LeBron twice; now, while we don’t see Bryant taking it a fifth time, the likely candidates are Westbrook, George, Curry, and DeRozan.
Westbrook is like a pitbull on crank, driving to the basket relentlessly regardless of the importance of the game. George, having fully recovered from his leg injury, is now scoring 23.3 points per game, along with 7.1 rebounds and four assists on average for the Pacers, and DeRozan, who along with Kyle Lowry, have taken the Toronto Raptors to No. 2 in the East and fifth overall.
Yet, it’s without a doubt that the one we’ve left for last who has the biggest chances of getting the award: Stephen Curry. Dubbed “the best shooter of all time,” Curry is leading the Warriors to 70+ wins this season and there’s no sign that he’ll be stopping any time soon. He’s going to win it, of course. You can bet on it.