NBA: Way-too-early Eastern Conference All-Star predictions

At nearly the one-third mark of the 2021-22 NBA season, here are some way-too-early Eastern Conference All-Star predictions. 

Even though we’ve only had about 28 games for each team so far, the picture of this NBA season already has a firm outline. We already have a good idea of which teams are good, which ones are busts, who’s hot, and who’s not.

The All-Star Game is the unofficial halfway point of the season, a time to take stock of what has happened so far and to plan for the rest of the year. Most players get a well-earned five days off to hit the reset button, but there ain’t no rest for the wicked.

Those players that are chosen for the All-Star game don’t get the time off. They get to travel to Cleveland and participate in All-Star weekend, an event where the rest of the basketball world pays tribute to their play. It’s a game where players usually just relax, show off their skills and have fun with their fellow athletes.

Athletes really want to participate in this game. Being selected to the All-Star game is validation; a mark of respect from your fellow players, fans, and journalists, that you are not only a good player, but that people want to see you ball.

Given what we have seen so far, I feel pretty comfortable saying who I think deserves one of the 12 All-Star slots so far, and here are my predictions.