2017 NBA All-Star Eastern Conference roster preview: Giannis Antetokounmpo leads a litany of fresh faces

The 2017 NBA All-Star Game is just a few hours away, and the Eastern Conference has some new faces to pair with the usual suspects.

As expected, LeBron James’ sustained dominance has been rewarded with his 13th consecutive All-Star appearance, the longest-standing streak of its kind. His running mate, Kyrie Irving, makes his second consecutive All-Star start, and Carmelo Anthony replaces Kevin Love, who will miss six weeks to undergo knee surgery, as an All-Star reserve.

But the rest of the conference is littered with new faces, including Bucks’ star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who makes his first All-Star appearance as a starter. Below, we take a glimpse at what the Eastern Conference has to offer in the 66th annual East vs. West game hosted at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

Irvin makes his fourth All-Star appearance since he was drafted in 2011. One of the league’s most devastating scorers, he’s averaging 24.4 points per game to help power the Cavaliers to a projected third consecutive NBA Finals appearance.

DeRozan gets his first nod as an All-Star starter, averaging 27.7 points per game for a Raptors team eyeing Cleveland for top dog in the Eastern Conference.

Chicago has been mediocre, but Butler’s been far from average this season. He’s carrying the Bulls with 24.4 points per game, but it’s unclear if that will be enough to keep them in the playoff hunt.

James makes his 13th consecutive All-Star appearance, the longest-standing streak of its kind dating back to 2005. He’s enjoying one of the best seasons of his illustrious career, averaging 25.8 points, 8.9 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game. The Cavaliers, short Kevin Love, need every bit of his production to stay on top of the Eastern Conference.

Antetokounmpo makes his first All-Star appearance as a starter, solidifying his rank among the league’s upper class. The Greek Freak’s averaging 25.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. The Bucks have fallen out of the playoff race, and without Jabari Parker, they likely won’t climb back in.

Had it not been for a reserve on the West All-Stars named Russell Westbrook, Isaiah Thomas would be leading the league in scoring with 29.8 points per game. Thomas is doing things we’ve never seen a guy 5’9 do before, and he’s catapulted Boston to second in the East along the way.

Lowry’s refined three-point shot has fully arrived, and he’s one of the reasons the Raptors are chasing after the Cavaliers in the playoffs this season. Toronto recently traded for Serge Ibaka, and Lowry stands to benefit from his new power forward’s presence on both ends of the floor.

Since losing nine of their first 12 games, the Wizards have rocketed up the East standings. They’re now third in the conference behind just Cleveland and Boston and ahead of Toronto. Wall’s play, including a double-double average of 22.9 points and 10.6 assists per game, has elevated his team to the East’s upper echelon.

The Hornets got off to a strong 14-9 start, but find themselves eight games below .500 at the East’s 11th seed. Still, Walker’s averaging 22.5 points and 5.5 assists per game, and is one of many deserving All-Star guards this season.

The Pacers are one huge roller coaster ride, entering the All-Star break on a six-game losing streak. But Indiana stands sixth in the East, much due to George’s play, attempting to stabilize his Indiana team by averaging 22.4 points per game.

Millsap was the focus of unrelenting trade rumors, and at one point, he was a surefire bet to be moved midseason. But Atlanta’s calmed down on the trade front and is eight games above .500, even after sending Kyle Korver to Cleveland.

Anthony was on pace to miss his first All-Star Game since 2010. But Kevin Love’s knee surgery opened the door for Melo to take the trip to New Orleans. While his struggling Knicks tailspin, his personal streak will stay alive.