NBA All-Star Game starters revealed

The 2021 NBA All-Star Game captains (LeBron James and Kevin Durant) and starters have been named.

The results of fan voting were announced on Thursday. The game is on March 7 in Atlanta.

LeBron, who helped lead the Los Angeles Lakers to the 2020 NBA title, will make his 17th NBA All-Star Game start. He was No. 1 in fan votes with more than 5.9 million.

Brooklyn Nets star Durant is set to appear in his 11th All-Star Game.

The NBA is using its player-captain format for the fourth consecutive year.

Other NBA All-Star Game starters

From the Western Conference, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic and Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers in the frontcourt, with popular guards Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors and Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks also getting the nod as NBA All-Star Game starters.

From the Eastern Conference, reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid will start for either Team LeBron or Team Durant. Washington Wizards scoring maestro Bradley Beal and Brooklyn Nets playmaker Kyrie Irving were chosen as guards. (Nets star James Harden placed third among East guards in fan voting.)

Voting process for All-Star Game

While fan votes weighed 50 percent in the process to choose the NBA All-Star Game starters, the other 50 percent was divided among players and a media panel.

Meanwhile, first-year Nets coach Steve Nash said he’s excited that Durant and Irving earned starting spots.

“Kyrie and Kevin have been outstanding and were appreciated by the voters and well-deserved,” Nash said, according to a New York Daily News report. “So exciting times for Nets fans.”

Still to come

The finalized rosters for Team LeBron and Team Durant are scheduled to be announced on March 4. First, the reserves are set to be unveiled next Tuesday. NBA head coaches select the reserves for the NBA All-Star Game.