Frank Isola predicts his early NBA All–Star candidates, including Giannis Antetokounmpo & Boston Celtics duo: “I think these are the seven locks”

With the NBA All-Star game coming up in February, analyst Frank Isola predicted his early favorites to make the Eastern Conference team. Isola discussed who he believes to be the seven locks with former NBA player Brian Scalabrine. The names included Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown and Jaysom Tatum of the Celtics, Donovan Mitchell, Joel Embiid, Kevin Durant and Bam Adebayo.

“I think these are the seven locks,” Isola said.

The analyst then speculated on the chances of the players he felt were on the outside looking in. He mentioned Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, Trae Young, Darius Garland and Tyrese Haliburton as having the potential to fill out the All-Star roster.

Isola said he used the standings as a barometer for how he chose the players who could be in the game. A few of his seven will get there by fan vote, while others will have to rely on the coaches who select the bench players. The reputation and popularity of Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo will definitely get them in due to their past accomplishments on top of their team’s performances.

Of the seven players Isola named, four have been mentioned in MVP talks. Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid, Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo are all averaging 30 points per game or more while playing for teams in the top five of the East. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see who breaks away from the pack in the standings and the MVP race.

---

Jalen Brunson's All-Star chances

The Knicks acquired Jalen Brunson in free agency this summer from the Dallas Mavericks. Brunson has been a bright star as the team is in sixth place in the Eastern Conference. Their 113-105 loss to the Raptors on Wednesday night snapped an eight-game winning streak.

Brunson could be a strong candidate for the coaches' selection to the All-Star team if the fans don’t vote him in. He is averaging career highs in scoring (20.4 points per game) and assists (6.3 per game). He and Julius Randle have the Knicks (18-14) looking like a legitimate playoff team.

---

Tyrese Haliburtion's All-Star chances

The Indiana Pacers (16-16) are in eighth place in the East after going 25-57 last season. A big part of the team’s surprise start is the play of Tyrese Haliburton. The third-year point guard has been playing very well. This could also be the reason why the team did not make any early season trades.

Haliburton should catch the coaches' attention and get voted into the All-Star Game. This season he is averaging career highs in scoring (20.0 ppg) and assists (a league-leading 10.6 apg). If he keeps this play up, he has the potential to be named All-NBA at the end of the season.