In recognition of the annual appointment of players to hoop in the mid-season showpiece, this Kia Race to the MVP Ladder is dedicated to those who’ll play in next month’s All-Star Game. Every player repping this week’s ladder is an All-Star.

The New York Knicks might hit up the Big Easy this February--albeit for trade deadline activities rather than Mardi Gras. In new deadline intel, ClutchPoints NB

Hart understands how All-Star selections work. He knows his chances of being named an All-Star reserve are slim. The Knicks already have two All-Star starters — their first since Earl Monroe and Walt Frazier in 1975 — and the competition for reserve spots is fierce.

Dec 30, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) dribbles against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images / Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Knicks have let a few too many winnable games slip away, including Friday’s 116-99 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Milwaukee Bucks have been excellent in first quarters lately, and this could be a game-changer for them if they do it consistently.

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Out of the West, LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers was named to his 21st straight All-Star Game, joined by 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant (Phoenix), 11-time All-Star Stephen Curry (Golden State), three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic (Denver) and MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City).

If last season proved anything, it was that the Knicks were well-equipped to wage a postseason run, even after All-Star Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson went down for the year with varying injuries. Their upgraded cast may exceed last year’s team and the Eastern Conference Semifinals they reached in pursuit of a title come June.

Our Bucks vs Trail Blazers predictions expect a tight game as Milwaukee navigates the second half of a back-to-back.

James L. Edwards III, Fred Katz and Jay King analyze the Eastern Conference at the halfway point of the season.