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Despite being under a cloud of doubt for several months, the 2021 NBA All-Star game is set to take place on Sunday. The recently concluded NBA All-Star draft saw the two captains, LeBron James and Kevin Durant, make selections for the showdown at the State Farm Arena.
Both teams' lineups are filled with some gifted stars. In this article, we take a look at five players who have the potential to make the night their own in the presence of the league's best talents.
NBA All-Star Game 2021: 5 players are who are capable of stealing the show on Sunday
Kawhi Leonard was the star of the show in last season's NBA All-Star game as he won the MVP award on the back of a brilliant 30-point effort for Team LeBron. Sunday's high-profile encounter will provide several superstars the opportunity to win this prestigious accolade.
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On that note, here are 5 players who fans should watch out for during the 2021 NBA All-Star Game.
#5 Joel Embiid, Team Durant
Since his debut in the league, Cameroonian big Joel Embiid has shown that he has the mettle to be the best center in the NBA.
However, it is safe to say that in the 2020/21 campaign, the Philadelphia 76ers star has exceeded expectations. Embiid has averaged an incredible 30 points and 11 rebounds per game while shooting 55% from the field. He has also managed to rack up a steal and a block per game, which shows his stellar effort on the defensive end.
Embiid is going to be the starting 5 for Team Durant, and viewers can expect to him to deliver a vintage NBA All-Star game performance.
#4 Giannis Antetokounmpo, Team LeBron
Milwaukee Bucks' talismanic forward Giannis Antetokounmpo was LeBron James' 1st pick in the 2021 NBA All-Star draft. James' motivation behind choosing Antetokounmpo would be both his resume and his statistics this season, as the 2-time MVP has put up 29 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists per game so far.
He has been a menace for opposition offenses as well, and is averaging 1.3 steals and 1.4 blocks per match. The 'Greek Freak' is inarguably one of the best two-way players in the modern NBA, and fans could be in for a treat if he goes off on Sunday.
Also Read: NBA Rumors: LA Lakers to face competition for Alex Caruso and Talen Horton-Tucker in free agency
#3 Stephen Curry, Team LeBron
LeBron James' second pick in the 2021 NBA All-Star draft was Stephen Curry. He is another 2-time MVP who played an integral role in the Golden State Warriors' dominance over the league, which lasted about half a decade.
After missing out on the pandemic affected 2019/20 campaign, Curry has come out all guns blazing this year. He has tallied an impressive 29.7 points and 6.3 assists per game on an outstanding 41% shooting from deep.
The Golden State Warriors have been quite inconsistent this year, with their 19-18 record making them the 9th seed in the Western Conference. However, Stephen Curry has ensured that his level remains consistent, and he is a player who has the ability to leave his mark on the upcoming NBA All-Star game.
#2 Kyrie Irving, Team Durant
Kevin Durant's first pick in the 2021 NBA All-Star draft was his close friend and teammate Kyrie Irving.
The former Cleveland Cavaliers guard drew a lot of flak from media and fans for missing a considerable number of games due to non-injury reasons. However, he hasn't let that noise affect his game at all in the 2020/21 season.
Irving has manage to put up a solid 27 points and 6 assists per game this season on an impressive 56.4% shooting from the field. He has also been quite effective on the defensive end as opposed to the last few seasons, and has guarded perimeter players with ease.
Irving has already won an NBA All-Star MVP in 2014, and a strong performance on Sunday could help him repeat that feat.
#1 LeBron James, Team LeBron
Despite being in the 18th year of his NBA career, LeBron James has been on a tear this season, averaging 25.8 points, 8 rebounds and 7.8 assists per match.
After narrowly missing out on the NBA MVP award last season, the 'King' is a strong candidate to win the prestigious accolade this year. He is also in contention to win the Defensive Player of the Year award, which shows his influence on the LA Lakers unit.
James is the captain of his team, and all eyes will be on him when the 2 sides will meet at the State Farm Arena. The 4-time NBA champion has a penchant for delivering highlight worthy plays, and fans will be hoping they get to see a bunch of them in Atlanta.
