James, Curry lead NBA All-Star starters

USA – 19 January 2018: The 10 starters for the NBA All-Star Game were unveiled on Thursday, but who plays for which team is still to be determined.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (Eastern Conference) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (Western) were the leading vote-getters for the game and will serve as captains. The two will draft players next week for the Feb. 18 contest at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Joining James as Eastern players named starters are Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid and Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving.

Other players from the West include Curry's teammate, forward Kevin Durant. Also named starters were Houston Rockets guard James Harden and the New Orleans Pelicans' big-man duo of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins.

The new format will feature James and Curry choosing players from among starters and the reserves. James (2,638,294) will have first pick due to receiving more votes than Curry (2,379,494). The backups (seven from each conference) will be selected by NBA coaches, with full team rosters set to be announced on Jan. 25.

"Just being out there with those guys is a great honor" DeRozan said on TNT after making his fourth All-Star team. "I don't care which team I am on."

The starters were determined by balloting from fans, players and a select group of NBA media members.

James is set to make his 14th consecutive start, which would break a tie with former Boston Celtics great Bob Cousy (13). Curry is the first player in Warriors' history to be named an All-Star starter in five straight seasons.

Reigning NBA MVP Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder is among the notable omissions from the group of starters.