We already know that Amare Stoudemire will be the first New York Knick to start in the NBA All-Star Game since Patrick Ewing in 1992. Tonight we find out if any other members of the Knicks or New Jersey Nets will be joining Stoudemire on the Eastern Conference squad.
The reserves will be revealed at 7 p.m. ET during TNT's "Inside the NBA" with Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley. The league's coaches name seven players for their respective conference on a ballot: two guards, two forwards, one center, and two "wild cards" who can be of any position. They cannot vote for players on their own team, and they must assign each player on the ballot with a numerical ranking, 1 through 7, in case a tiebreaker is necessary. Their ballots were due on Monday. The West will get to name eight players, not seven, due to Yao Ming's injury.
Let's look at the Knicks and Nets who deserve consideration.
Knicks
Raymond Felton (G): Felton is having a career year in his first season with the Knicks, averaging career-bests in point (17.1), assists (8.9) and steals (1.8). Only two guards can be selected, however, and Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen of Boston will probably get those spots. If one point guard and one shooting guard are chosen, Rondo definitely goes before Felton. Chance of making it: Slim to none.
Nets
Devin Harris (G): Having a terrific season at 15.4 points and 7.8 assists per game for a Nets team that is not good at all. Harris, though, is in the same boat as Felton. The competition is too stiff. Besides, I would probably go with Felton in front of Harris, anyway, and neither of them is making the team. Chance of making it: Slim to none.
Brook Lopez (C): I am not even sure Lopez deserves to be in the conversation, but let's discuss him anyway. He is a quality scorer at a career-best 19.6 points per game, but averages only 5.6 rebounds per game despite being 7-feet. Atlanta's Al Horford and Josh Smith, Miami's Chris Bosh, Chicago's Carlos Boozer and Milwaukee's Andrew Bogut are all in line before Lopez. Chance of making it: Slim to none.
The game will be played Sunday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. ET (TNT).