The NBA All-Star Weekend is just days away and here we have updates on the list of players who are due to partake in all the action in Houston as the Rockets will host the exhibition game Sunday evening. Unfortunately for Rajon Rondo, injuries will keep him for participating in the games. Check out the updated rosters for both the Eastern and Western Conferences.
Eastern Conference
They lost the All-Star game in 2012, but look for LeBron James to guide his conference to victory. He's putting up record setting numbers posting an average of 30 points on 60 percent shooting in the past six games. He got the monkey off his back last year after guiding his Miami Heat to an NBA championship. Here are the stars James is expect to take the floor with in the 2013 NBA All-Star Game.
Starters: James, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Garnett, Dwyane Wade, possibly Kyrie Irving manning Rondo's starting spot.
Reserves: Chris Bosh, Tyson Chandler, Luol Deng, Paul George, Jrue Holiday, Brook Lopez and Joakim Noah
Because of Lopez's excellent presence on both ends of the floor, he was nominated to fill in for Rondo.
Western Conference
They will put their title on the defense. Though it was a close call, the West won the All-Star game last year and many are expecting the same in 2013. They have some of the more popular and skilled players in the league though the East has the best player in the NBA. Check out their starting lineup.
Starters: Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul
Reserves: LaMarcus Aldridge, Tim Duncan, James Harden, David Lee, Tony Parker, Zach Randolph, Russell Westbrook
They have a great mixture of age, speed and shooters. The only player in this roster who hasn't played in an All-Star game before is the crowd favorite, Harden who is the only Houston Rocket in the lineup.
One player in the West fans will have to keep their eye on is Howard who has been experiencing shoulder issues in recent days. Analysts around the sports world are suggesting, if Howard is really in a lot of pain, that he should sit out the game and show up in suit and tie. This will allow the All-Star center to mingle with fans, work his image and remain healthy as the Los Angeles Lakers look to make a push for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference in the second half of the season.
The action tips off at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 17.