Long awaited NBA All-Stars week is in full swing and with plenty of interesting events behind us, the most anticipated event of the All Stars week is just around the corner. As you might have guessed it by reading the title (which I hope you all do), we are talking about the NBA All-Stars game which will take place on February 18th at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte between Team LeBron and Team Giannis.

In the past few days, we have seen Staley Dawns' team defeating Sue Bird's team in the Celebrity All-Star Game, Team USA defeating Team World, Hamidou Diallo taking home his 1st Slam Dunk contest trophy, Joe Harris winning the 3pt contest and Jayson Tatum winning the Skill challenge. With 7 events behind us, it's time for the main event which we have all been waiting for since.. well last year when it last happened. This event is no other but the All-Star Game.

Last week we saw Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo and Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James finishing their 1st ever on-screen draft when they picked the players who they believe will help them win the NBA All-Stars game. Giannis picked Joel Embiid, Paul George, Stephen Curry, Kemba Walker as the starting 5 with Nikola Jokic, Khris Middleton, Nikola Jokic, Ben Simmons, Blake Griffin, D'Angelo Russell, Khris Middleton, Nikola Vucevic, Kyle Lowry and Dirk Nowitzki as the reserves. On the other side, LeBron put his trust in Kevin Durant, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Kyrie Irving as the starting 5 and Klay Thompson, Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, LaMarcus Aldridge, Bradley Beal, Karl-Anthony Towns and Dwyane Wade as the reserves.

*Ben Simmons, who was drafted by Team Giannis was later traded to Team LeBron in exchange for Russel Westbrook.

Now let's check the two teams that will show off their skills and fight to the dea.. I mean for the title of NBA All-Stars Champion 2019.

Team LeBron

As I checked the Team LeBron, the first thought that came to my mind was "they have got a lot going for them". First of all, their coach will be no other than the Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone, who on its own is an excellent coach. If you don't believe me, just check Denver Nuggets record this season. A team that was "meh" last season, finishing 9th in the West with a 46-35 record are now one of the strongest teams in the West (2nd) with a 39-18 record. In addition to Malone, the LeBron team is filled with stars. Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and of course James Harden are only the starting five. Meanwhile, on the bench, we have got names like Anthony Davis, Ben Simmons, Dwayne Wade, Klay Thompson and others. I can not find a word to describe how good this team is, and even my usage of word "good" is an understatement. What we are looking at here is as close to a perfect team as it gets.

Team Giannis

Giannis Antetokounmpo and his chosen players will be led by no other than Milwaukee Bucks' Mike Budenholzer, who has proven his worth as a coach of one of the most consistent teams in the NBA. Milwaukee Bucks this season are just spectacular. They hold the league-best record of 43-14 record, which puts them at the first spot in the East. As it's expected for an NBA All-Stars team, the Team Giannis is as well filled with talent and superstars. Not only does the Team Giannis include 2 of the strongest candidates for this season MVP reward; Paul George and of course Giannis Antetokounmpo, but it also has "The Process" aka. Joel Embiid, Kemba Walker and Stephen Curry standing on the court. On the bench, Budenholzer will have players like Westbrook, Griffin, Vucecic, Jokic and the legend himself; Dirk Nowitzki.

Verdict & Prediction

As we compare the two teams, I can't help but notice Team LeBron does come off as a stronger side, however, this won't be the deciding factor in who will win the match. This might sound silly and plainly wrong, but let me elaborate. While LeBron assembled a superior team, Giannis has something LeBron does not have or at least does not have to such a degree. It's MOTIVATION. Yes, one of the strongest weapons in the sports world, motivation. Team Giannis, is filled with NBA All-Stars first-timers, and what does that mean? They will want to prove themselves, which just might push this team over the edge and make them win. In addition, Giannis does seem to have a better defensive team, which will help to shut down some of the most potent scorers in the opposing team.

Not to make this article too long, let's just jump into our prediction. Looking at the Asian Handicap market, the line is set at +5.5 points for Team Giannis, which we believe is too high. As I said, LeBron does seem to have a better team, but I believe Team Giannis will make them work for the win. All things considered, I believe a +5 point lead for the "Greek Freak" and his team should do the job.

Prediction: Team Giannis +5.00