The NBA is proceeding with the All-Star Game in Atlanta on March 7, despite the fact the United States is still battling coronavirus, and the fact the game is only an exhibition event that means nothing in the overall standings. Last week the starters were announced, and on Tuesday, the reserves were announced.
There are seven reserve players in each conference. In the East, two Boston Celtics were selected in Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, despite the fact that the Celtics have underachieved significantly this season. At 15 wins and 17 losses, Boston is only ninth in the Eastern Conference, and have only won three of their last 10 games. Brown and Tatum are joined by James Harden of the Brooklyn Nets, Zach Lavine of the Chicago Bulls, Julius Randle of the New York Knicks, Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers, and Nikola Vucevic of the Orlando Magic.
In the Western Conference, there are two Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns among the reserve players. They are Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell on the Jazz, and Chris Paul and Devin Booker on the Suns. The other three reserve players are Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers, Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans. Anthony Davis of the Lakers was initially named an All-Star, but will miss the game with a calf injury.
Simmons, who is from Melbourne, is one of two Australian natives who will play in the NBA All-Star Game this season. He will be joined by Melbourne native Kyrie Irving, who plays for the Brooklyn Nets.
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