All-Star Predictions: The West

This year, so far has shown us lots of talent. There are a lot of players that I expect to make the All-Star game that are doing great, but there are also lots of players that have surprised me. If they keep up their current game, they deserve an All-Star spot. Also keep in mind, these picks are in NO PARTICULAR ORDER.

Steph Curry and Kevin Durant

You can't talk about the best players in the league without talking about Steph Curry. Despite missing the past few weeks due to injury, Steph is averaging almost 30 PPG with a fantastic EFG percentage. With the Warriors struggling without Curry, it just shows us how valuable he is to their team. The two time MVP is a lock for the All-Star game.

And I don't think I need to say more about Kevin Durant. Despite some chemistry issues going on, KD is still an absolute superstar, averaging over 28 PPG and will probably lead the Warriors to yet another title. Also a lock for the All-Star team.

LeBron James

The King. Another player who doesn't need much said about him. LeBron is an absolute monster on the court and has turned the weak Lakers into a tough team. They still have their struggles, but when Bron steps on the court, they are a different team. Averaging around 28-8-7 at this age, James looks to join the West All-Stars for the first time.

Nikola Jokic

I used to say that Jokic was overrated, but after watching him play in a few games this year, I 100 percent take that back. Averaging 16 PPG, he may not be the highest scorer, but the man can do everything. He's got just as good of court vision as many of the point guards in the league and is an efficient rebounder too. From what I've seen, he makes his whole team better when he's on the court. I'd say he deserves an All-Star bid this year.

Damian Lillard

Dame's been averaging 26 PPG and playing at a high level like he usually does. The Blazers are playing great so far out in the West. Question is if they can make it past the first round of the playoffs though... However, regardless if they do so or not, Dame has been playing at All-Star caliber and deserves a spot.

Paul George and Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook has had a few injuries that I think have limited his play, but with a few more weeks of recovery, he will be the triple double monster he used to be. He's already averaging 23-9-9 and his stats will just go up from here. You may claim him to be a "stat-padder," but fact is, individually, he is one of the best.

And Paul George has really stepped up his game this year. With Russ out for a few games, PG shined and has been averaging a fantastic 24-8-4. That, plus his great defense, PG deserves an All-Star spot too.

Anthony Davis

A.D was my pick for this year's MVP. He didn't start the season as strong as we would've liked, but he has been improving lots. A.D averages 27 PPG and like last year, been an incredible defender. All-star for sure.

James Harden

The reigning MVP has been playing great, averaging 35 PPG over the past 5 games and 30 PPG for the season. Even though the Rockets aren't doing as hot as we expected, Harden is still a pure scorer and has been a lot better on the defensive end than we give him credit for. Harden's been known for his weak defense, but this year, it's improved, especially on the post side of things...All-Star for sure.

DeMar DeRozan

DeRozan is a first-year West player and has fit fantastically well for the Spurs. Him and LaMarcus Alrdridge have become the midrange kings of the league. DeMar is averaging almost 25 PPG and with Pop as his coach, I can only see good things for his future. The Raptors really did him dirty by trading him, but in the end, I see that both teams won the trade. DeMar is great for San Antonio. Plus he's loyal too, which we don't see enough of these days.

Karl-Anthony Towns

With Jimmy Butler gone, I see KAT being a more confident player and competing at a higher level. His numbers aren't as high as they were in the past, but since Butler left, it'll give lots more scoring opportunity for KAT, and I can see him making an argument for the All-Star team.

Devin Booker

Book has been waiting a long time for this. For the past few years, he's been consistently putting up high scoring numbers. A big reason he hasn't made the All-Star team yet is because of his teams poor performance. While a bad team does make Booker look better than he is, he's still a great player and I think he's finally earned a spot on the All-Star team.

Overview and Snubs

This West squad is a great looking team. While it's no longer the traditional East vs. West, the West will still bring a great group of players into the game for either team. With Steph Curry and LeBron James being the frontrunners for the All-Star captains, I can also see KD, AD, and Harden being locks for the All-Star starters.

With every year, there are always players that perform at the All-Star level, but just don't quite make it. Here are my snubs for this year's West team.

• CJ McCollum
• Klay Thompson
• Draymond Green
• Tobias Harris
• Lou Williams
• Chris Paul
• Mike Conley
• Andrew Wiggins
• Donovan Mitchell