NBA All-Star Weekend Preview

Ahhh, yes. All-Star Weekend. The time of year where it's midseason and the NBA's best come together for a Skills Challenge, a 3 Point Contest, a Dunk Contest, and then the game itself. Instead of there being East Vs. West, it will be Steph Curry and Lebron James being the captains and a mix of both conferences on each lineup. Let me just say right now that beside the Pro Bowl and MLB All-Star Game, I hate any kind of all-star game. This means that there is no basketball for a week and all of American basketball fans will get to enjoy a freaking 200-150 blowout in the All Star Game. But I will give this year's game some props.

At least in the 2018 All-Star Game, Lebron will get to play with Kyrie Irving again. He will also be joined Kevin Durant of the Warriors, and Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins of the Pelicans. My snub for Team Lebron not to be on the starting lineup is Paul George. I mean, C'mon! 22.4 PPG and a 5th time All-Star? I would have Cousins go on the All-Star reserves for George. Especially given the fact that Cousins' team is a half game of getting knocked out of the 8th seed by the Blake Griffenless LA Clippers. But I will give Lebron credit for not choosing all Eastern Conference All-Stars.

As for Team Steph Curry, he is joined by the "Greek Freak" Giannis Antetokunmpo, from the Bucks, Demar Derozan from the Raptors, James Harden from the Rockets, and Joel Embiid from the Sixers. I think everyone and their mother wanted Giannis to go against Lebron in this game. Especially when they've become Central division rivals for years. Here's a game. For every time Giannis dunks on Lebron, I will do the famous Lebron James celebration. Sound fair?

Well I have to make a prediction like every other game I blog about so here it goes. Based on the starting lineup and given the much more depth on the team, I'm going with Team Steph to beat Team Lebron 175-162. It will come close, but I guess playing with your former teammate won't help either. You've only beaten Steph Curry once in the Finals and you won't beat him this time. Besides, he's got some of your Eastern Conference foes plus the "Greek Freak".

How will this All-Star Game in Los Angeles impact the rest of the season? Not much. But if there is one thing that will be taken away from the game on Sunday is that this year's Playoffs will be the most exciting yet with a mix of teams that are aiming to dethrone Lebron and Sttephen Curry from the NBA Championship and NBA FInals once and for all.

Lebron James and Stephen Curry. Enemies since 2015, ready for battle 364 days a year.

Let's just hope that Lebron and Stephen Curry can get along.

Steph: "Same time next year?"

Lebron: "Yeah"

Giannis: "No!" I am coming for you, King!"