The starters of the NBA all-star game were a hot topic of conversation over the past few weeks.
One player that was snubbed of a starting spot was Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid.
But, with a plethora of injuries to players that were named starters, Embiid, Lauri Markkanen, and Ja Morant were named starters.
Joel Embiid, Lauri Markkanen and Ja Morant were named starters for the All-Star Game, the NBA announced.
Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Zion Williamson will not play due to injury. pic.twitter.com/hGIvLe07Ng
— ESPN (@espn) February 10, 2023
They will be replacing Kevin Durant, Zion Williamson, and Stephen Curry in the starting lineup.
Embiid is one of the favorites for league MVP, he is averaging 33.3 points per game, which is second in the NBA.
Also, he is a great rebounder and defender.
Markkanen and Morant, both are deserving of their starting spot.
Morant is averaging 27.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, also his Grizzlies are second in the western conference.
One player that has come out of nowhere this season is Markkanen.
Before the year he was traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Utah Jazz.
The 25-year-old has been nothing short of amazing this year.
He is leading a Jazz team that many thought was tanking into the playoff picture.
Markkanen is averaging 24.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, and shooting 51.8% from the field.
This is the first all-star appearance of his career, so it is quite cool that he gets to start the game.
The all-star game draft will take place on the day of the game.
It will be like they are playing in the park and choosing teams right on the spot.
The two captains will be LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
This new draft setup should be fun for the players and fans alike.
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