ESPN predicts the All-Star roster: Curry and Durant are guaranteed selections, Reaves is uncertain, LeBron might miss out

On December 29th Beijing time, ESPN provided their newest forecast for the All-Star lineup, with the following detailed analysis—

This season’s All-Star format has been revised once more, creating three teams of eight players each—two teams consisting of domestic U.S. players and one international team. Which players will make this year’s All-Star roster?

Eastern Conference

Locked in (confirmed selections): Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks), Jaylen Brown (Celtics), Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Cunningham (Pistons), Duren (Pistons), Jalen Johnson (Hawks), Maxey (76ers), Mitchell (Cavaliers), Towns (Knicks)

Contenders (undecided): Adebayo (Heat), Scottie Barnes (Raptors), Giddey (Bulls)

Powell stands out as the top snub in the East. The Heat may have only one All-Star representative, with Adebayo’s selection more justified due to his defensive impact and Powell’s relatively poor form in December. Siakam and Michael Porter Jr. have performed well despite their teams’ struggles, while Anunoby and Mikal Bridges have also impressed, though they rank only third or fourth in the Knicks’ offensive hierarchy. Among the top 10 Eastern teams, the Magic have no selections because it’s unclear who best represents them: Bane recovered from a long slump, while Wagner Jr. and Banchero’s stats declined due to injuries.

Western Conference

Locked in (confirmed selections): Curry (Warriors), Doncic (Lakers), Durant (Rockets), Edwards (Timberwolves), Alexander (Thunder), Jokic (Nuggets), Sengun (Rockets), Wembanyama (Spurs)

Contenders (undecided): Avdija (Trail Blazers), Holmgren (Thunder), Jamal Murray (Nuggets), Reaves (Lakers)

The Western Conference All-Star competition is extremely fierce, with many talented players likely to be left out. Booker is probably the biggest snub; as the leader of the West’s biggest surprise team, his efficiency (three-point shooting at only 30.1%) falls short compared to other All-Star candidates. Randle also misses out, while Markkanen, Harden, and Leonard’s chances are dimmed by their teams’ underwhelming records. Notably, LeBron James does not appear in ESPN’s predicted All-Star lineup.

According to the new All-Star format, the predicted roster will feature either 15 U.S.-born players and 9 international players, or 14 U.S.-born and 10 international players, depending on Towns’ classification—he was born in New Jersey but represents the Dominican national team. This leaves 1-2 spots for Commissioner Silver to add to the U.S. roster, which is good news for Booker and Randle.