NBA 2013-14: Predictions for the West All-Star starters at quarter way mark of the season

Front court:

Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)

To say that he has earned his spot on the starter’s line-up is an understatement.

He leads the league in scoring averaging 28.5 points per game and his per game averages of 8.3 and 4.9 in rebounds and assists respectively are career highs. His team’s success so far this season also weighs in as another huge factor for him to be a starter in this season’s All-Star game.

He is once again flirting with a 50-40-90 this season however his season so far hasn’t generated that much of a buzz because we have grown accustomed to him consistently pulling off brilliant performances.

Since these predictions are on the basis of performance it’s safe to say that this player deserves to be the leading vote getter in the West.

Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves)

On his return from injury, Love’s performances and averages so far this season have many remembering the Love from two years ago, only that he is a much better passer now. His performance might not necessarily translate to the team’s record on the league table but you can’t deny him off what he deserves.

He is third in points per game with an average of 25.9 and leads the league in rebounding with an average of 13.9. He is also the player with the most double doubles this season in the league with 25 in 27 games played.

His incredible outside game allows him to match dagger for dagger from long range alongside the likes of Curry and Durant. His improved performance post injury gives him the upper hand on Blake Griffin.

LaMarcus Alridge (Portland Trailblazers)

He can currently be described as the center of the best offense in the league that is shocking the basketball world. He is one among only four players who average more than 20 points and 10 rebounds in a game this season. The absence of a center spot allows this talented power forward to make the cut ahead of Dwight Howard.

His point, rebounds and assists averages this season are all career highs-23.5, 10.9, 2.7 respectively. His ability to hit the catch and shoot mid range jumper efficiently and make the right plays has been the backbone of the Blazers killer offense this season.

Before you make the mistake of asking yourself where this guy was the first seven years of his career, Aldridge has quietly made the cut to be named with best in the West in the last two seasons. So it’s not like he has been invisible.