Dallas Mavericks: All-Star Weekend winners roundtable

All-Star Game

Team LeBron

“It seems like LeBron James got two wins in one. He picked players that are linked to the Lakers this future offseason, and grabs players who fit nicely around him that easily grabs a W in Charlotte. ‘Bron pairs himself with Durant and Harden to start alongside him, while also meeting The Brow and Klay off the bench. Let’s at least give Dirk the MVP of the all star game though, because, well you know, he deserves it.” –Arsal Hussain

“Exhibition game? Little to no defense being played? This one was too easy. It’s become apparent that individual hardware, most notably MVP trophies, mean a lot to James Harden. To be fair, the reigning league MVP is leading the league in scoring and his style of play is tailored this type of game. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t finish with a 30-point triple-double.” –Manny Dixon

Team Giannis

“This one is tough. When it comes to the All-Star Game, a lot of times it is simply who wants it the most. Russell Westbrook certainly has a history of gunning for that MVP as does LeBron. First year guys like Simmons, Jokic, Russell, Middleton, and Vucevic will all have a chip on their shoulder. I’m actually going to go with Giannis. He has been an unstoppable force all year and I think he’s going to go out and try to assert his dominance as one of the new faces of the league.” –Sean Bush

“Team Giannis Antetokounmpo will win the All Star Game. I’m torn on my MVP pick. I think it’ll come down to Steph Curry or Kemba Walker. Guys have a tendency to let the hometown hero get his points and win MVP honors, but while Walker plays for the Hornets, Curry is originally from the Charlotte area. In the end, I’ll put my trust in Curry’s shooting ability and say he wins the MVP over Walker, but just barely.” –Ben Zajdel

“It’s a close one between Joel Embiid and Kemba Walker for me. Kemba is having his best season yet and will have home court advantage. However, I don’t see anyone on team LeBron that will be able to slow down Embiid, especially since AD is out with injury. I could see the trash-talking MVP getting lots of easy buckets and taking the award.” –Badees Nouiouat

“I think these rosters are so evenly matched that it could go either way. I like Team Giannis for all the guys that really like to go all out in the big game. I think a bunch of the guys are going to score a ton and I think Westbrook is going to try to keep his triple-double streak active, but my pick for the MVP is Joel Embiid. Just to rub it in Westbrook’s face.” –Kohl Rast

This weekend is going to be a lot of fun for Mavericks fans and for NBA fans in general. Be ready for some basketball fun this weekend while most of the Mavs players get a much needed break before the final stretch of the season.