Greek Freak to upstage LeBron in star-studded spectacle
It's All-Star time.
Even the most casual NBA observer gets excited about the All-Star game, when the world's best basketball players all line-up on the same court at the same time.
It's also an exciting betting event, so check out our free NBA picks and preview below, as Team Giannis look to upset the bookies' favourites Team LeBron.
Team LeBron vs Team Giannis
NBA Odds: Team LeBron $1.34 (-6.5) / Team Giannis $3.39 (+6.5)
The highlight of the All-Star weekend tips off on Monday Australian time when Team LeBron takes to the floor against Team Giannis.
This is the second year the All-Star game takes this team-captain format, after the traditional East vs West match-up was dumped.
LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo were the leaders in the All-star voting, and consequently became the two captains who had to choose their teams, one pick at a time, schoolyard style.
This provides added spice to arguably the most entertaining basketball match each year.
Team LeBron
Much has been made about LeBron's side, which most have argued is stacked with superior quality.
Besides LeBron, his starting line-up will contain Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
If this wasn't enough, Team LeBron will have Anthony Davis, as well as Klay Thompson and Karl-Anthony Towns coming off the bench.
This is an insane amount of NBA quality for just one team.
James Harden is the current MVP favourite after shooting 30+ points for 30 consecutive games.
He kept this streak alive with a late 3-pointer in Houston's recent win over Dallas.
Kevin Durant was last season's finals MVP, and is currently averaging a monster 28 points, 7 boards and 6 assists per game for the 2018/19 NBA season.
And you don't need me to tell you how good a player LeBron is.
However, there are two problems that could arise from this star-studded team.
The first is that they all like to take plenty of shots, and enjoy being the main man in offence.
This could lead to a scenario where they all get in each other's way, looking to be the hero in front of the massive viewing audience.
The second is that Team LeBron's starting line-up isn't balanced. They don't have a centre, and will come into the game with a significant height disadvantage.
Durant will probably play as centre, where he will match up against Team Giannis's seven-foot big man Joel Embiid.
Team Giannis
Besides Embiid and fellow giant Antetokounmpo, Team Giannis will start with Stephen Curry, Kemba Walker and Paul George.
This is a much more balanced side.
There are two obvious guards (Curry and Walker), an out-and-out Small Forward (George), as well as Antetokounmpo and Embiid who will slip glove-like into their respective power forward and centre positions.
Another positive for Team Giannis is the form of Paul George.
George is without a doubt the in-form player in the NBA, as he charges into MVP contention.
He is currently the second top-scorer for the season, averaging 29 points per game.
Last time out against the Blazers, he racked up an enormous 47 points, as well as recording his first triple-double of the campaign to boot.
A final point that tips the scale further in Team Giannis's favour is the fact that the match will be played at the Spectrum Centre in Charlotte, the home of the Hornets.
The only Hornets player in either side is Kemba Walker, who starts for Team Giannis.
Walker is another who is shooting up a storm of late, having scored at least 30 points in all of his past five outings.
On his home court, Walker will want to not only impress in front of his home fans, but show all the stars around him whose house they are playing at.
Free NBA Pick: All-Star MVP to be Kemba Walker @ $18
Where's the defence?
As much as fans would like it to be, this All-Star match will never be as competitive as a regular NBA match.
You'll see players try ridiculous moves, and take improbable shots.
While really knuckling down and committing on defence won't be a top priority.
In last year's edition, the then Team LeBron triumphed over Team Stephen by 148 points to 145.
The bookies are predicting that there will be even more points in this one, setting the total points line at 300.5.
In the now obsolete West-East All-Star format in 2017, the West triumphed by 192 to 182.
The year before that the West came up trumps once again, by 196 points to 173.
While another monster score like this wouldn't be unprecedented, experts are claiming that the new format will see a trend towards more competitive, defence-minded basketball.
With bags of defensive as well as offensive quality out there, look for the total score to remain below 300 points.
Free NBA Pick: Total match points to be under 300.5 @ $1.91
Key NBA Stats
LeBron James won last year's All-Star MVP: James to win MVP @ $5.50
The total points in last year's match was 292: Total match points to be under 300.5 @ $1.91
Of the top 7 NBA players leading the regular season MVP betting, 5 play for Team Giannis: Team Giannis to win @ $3.39
Free NBA Pick: Team Giannis to win @ $3.39
Reasoning: In a match that is essentially a toss-up, these are crazy odds.
Especially considering Team Giannis have a more balanced team, and they boast more of this season's better players.
Feb 14, 2019 07:01 PM
AAP
Free NBA Pick: All-Star MVP to be Kemba Walker @ $18
Key NBA Stats
