The starters for the 2014 NBA All-Star Game have been announced and there are some surprises to the players who will be taking the court in New Orleans. Leading the way with most votes are MVP Candidates LeBron James (1,416,419 votes) of the Miami HEAT and Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder (1,396,294 votes).

Voted in for the game’s opening is Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers), Dwayne Wade (Miami Heat), Paul George(Indiana Pacers), Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks) and James representing the East and on the opposing team there will be Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers), Durant, Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers) and Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves).

This is the first year that George, Irving, Love, and Curry will be voted in as starters. Kobe Bryant states that he would like to sit out the All-Star game, but the Black Mamba suggests a player like Portland’s Damian Lillard should replace him. The reserves for the game will be announced next Thursday night on Inside The NBA. A lot of people will be looking forward to this news. An event as big as the NBA All-Star Game deserves to attract the biggest players of the sport. Not only will it increase its popularity, but it may even persuade basketball fans to make some bets, with something like the Indiana Sports Betting App, to feel more involved with the game, as well as earning some extra money on the side. With the likes of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kobe Bryant making a star-studded appearance, it’s enough for anyone to watch this eagerly anticipated game.