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Thursday, March 14, 2013
Posted on March 14, 2013 at 02:31 AM.
#3 Los Angeles Clippers vs. #6 Utah Jazz

Game 1: Clippers vs. Jazz (4/20, 10:30 p.m.) TV: ABC
Game 2: Clippers vs. Jazz (4/22, 10:30 p.m.) TV: TNT
Game 3: Jazz vs. Clippers (4/24, 9:30 p.m.) TV: TNT
Game 4: Jazz vs. Clippers (4/26, 9:30 p.m.) TV: TNT
Game 5: Clippers vs. Jazz (4/28, 10:30 p.m.) TV: TNT
Game 6: Jazz vs. Clippers (5/1, 9:30 p.m.) TV: TNT
Game 7: Clippers vs. Jazz (5/3, 10:30 p.m.) TV: TNT
Games 5-7 if necessary


Matchup Preview *|* April 19, 2013
@
Utah Jazz
(47-35, 21-20 Away, 26-15 Home)
Los Angeles Clippers
(48-34, 25-16 Home, 23-18 Away)
Stats Comparison
111.5Points Per Game108.5
109.3PPG Allowed104.3
.507Field Goal %.485
.4183-Point %.404
.865Free Throw %.799
43.0Rebounds45.3
5.9Blocks5.9
7.5Steals7.6
12.8Turnovers12.8
Projected Starters
Mo WilliamsPoint GuardChris Paul
Raja BellShooting GuardChauncey Billups
Alec BurksSmall ForwardCaron Butler
Paul MillsapPower ForwardBlake Griffin
Al JeffersonCenterDeAndre Jordan
Injury Report
Randy Foye-Broken Foot
5/12
Jamal Crawford-Broken Finger
5/10

Ryan Hollins-Broken Rib
5/24
Game Notes
If Utah wants to play the role of the upset special in their first round matchup against the Clippers, they're going to need second-year swingman Alec Burks to carry his stellar play into the playoffs. Filling in for the injured Randy Foye, Burks has averaged over 20 points a game for the Jazz over the final month, combining with Mo Williams to form a lethal frontcourt to complement Utah's elite backcourt of Paul Millsap and All Star Al Jefferson. While Los Angeles has plenty of prolific scorers to challenge Utah-the Chris Paul/Blake Griffin combo is likely to cause the Jazz defense fits-this series will likely come down to two specific matchups: how Paul does against Williams and how Jefferson does against Clippers All-Defensive center DeAndre Jordan.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Posted on March 13, 2013 at 02:30 AM.
#2 Denver Nuggets vs. #7 Los Angeles Lakers

Game 1: Nuggets vs. Lakers (4/19, 9:30 p.m.) TV: TNT
Game 2: Nuggets vs. Lakers (4/21, 9:30 p.m.) TV: ABC
Game 3: Lakers vs. Nuggets (4/23, 10:30 p.m.) TV: TNT
Game 4: Lakers vs. Nuggets (4/25, 10:30 p.m.) TV: TNT
Game 5: Nuggets vs. Lakers (4/27, 9:30 p.m.) TV: ABC
Game 6: Lakers vs. Nuggets (4/30, 10:30 p.m.) TV: TNT
Game 7: Nuggets vs. Lakers (5/2, 9:30 p.m.) TV: TNT
Games 5-7 if necessary


Matchup Preview *|* April 19, 2013
@
Los Angeles Lakers
(46-36, 22-19 Away, 24-17 Home)
Denver Nuggets
(54-28, 28-13 Home, 26-15 Away)
Stats Comparison
110.3Points Per Game109.6
108.3PPG Allowed105.5
.500Field Goal %.515
.3753-Point %.394
.753Free Throw %.742
45.6Rebounds45.5
6.3Blocks6.8
7.3Steals7.6
12.8Turnovers13.0
Projected Starters
Steve BlakePoint GuardTy Lawson
Kobe BryantShooting GuardAndre Iguodala
Antawn JamisonSmall ForwardWilson Chandler
Pau GasolPower ForwardKenneth Faried
Dwight HowardCenterJaVale McGee
Injury Report
No Injuries
Kenneth Faried-Sore Back
4/30

Anthony Randolph-Broken Toe
5/5
Game Notes
Denver surprised many in the NBA this season, rolling through most of the competition this season to claim a share of the Northwest Division and the #2 seed in the Western Conference. While Denver's offense runs primarily through point guard Ty Lawson and center JaVale McGee, their first round date with the Lakers is likely to hinge on the matchup between Andre Iguodala and Kobe Bryant. Iguodala's scoring average in 2013 was his lowest since his rookie season, but Iguodala-one of the game's best defenders-has the ability to shut Bryant's game down. Curtailing Bryant's output in this series is crucial with Denver's top interior defender likely out for this series in Kenneth Faried. If Iguodala can stop Bryant and Danilo Gallinari can get going filling in for Faried, expect Denver to coast into the conference quarterfinals.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Posted on March 8, 2013 at 02:21 AM.
#1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #8 Sacramento Kings

Game 1: Thunder vs. Kings (4/19, 9:30 p.m.) TV: ESPN
Game 2: Thunder vs. Kings (4/21, 9:30 p.m.) TV: ESPN
Game 3: Kings vs. Thunder (4/23, 10:30 p.m.) TV: ESPN
Game 4: Kings vs. Thunder (4/25, 10:30 p.m.) TV: ESPN
Game 5: Thunder vs. Kings (4/27, 9:30 p.m.) TV: ESPN
Game 6: Kings vs. Thunder (4/30, 10:30 p.m.) TV: ESPN
Game 7: Thunder vs. Kings (5/2, 9:30 p.m.) TV: ESPN
Games 5-7 if necessary


Matchup Preview *|* April 19, 2013
@
Sacramento Kings
(43-39, 21-20 Away, 22-19 Home)
Oklahoma City Thunder
(54-28, 30-11 Home, 24-17 Away)
Stats Comparison
112.5Points Per Game109.9
111.0PPG Allowed101.7
.490Field Goal %.488
.4193-Point %.390
.834Free Throw %.894
45.3Rebounds45.1
5.3Blocks6.5
7.6Steals7.5
13.2Turnovers12.5
Projected Starters
Aaron BrooksPoint GuardRussell Westbrook
Marcus ThorntonShooting GuardKevin Martin
Tyreke EvansSmall ForwardJosh Childress
Thomas RobinsonPower ForwardKevin Durant
DeMarcus CousinsCenterSerge Ibaka
Injury Report
Brian Roberts-Back Spasms
4/27
Kendrick Perkins-Bruised Foot
4/25
Game Notes
Oklahoma City returns to the playoffs as the clear favorite to win the Western Conference, but the Thunder could be walking into a trap series against the Kings. While Oklahoma City's scoring comes from it's three backcourt starters-Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and Kevin Martin-Sacramento prefers to score in the paint through bigs DeMarcus Cousins and Thomas Robinson-and that's not to mention the scoring prowess of Tyreke Evans, Marcus Thornton, and Aaron Brooks. While Serge Ibaka will do his best to handle Cousins down low, the loss of its second best interior defender, Kendrick Perkins, could put Oklahoma City in an early hole before his return, likely around Game 4 of this series.
Posted on March 8, 2013 at 01:56 AM.
2013 NBA Awards
AwardPlayerPosTeam
Most Valuable PlayerLeBron JamesSFMiami Heat
Rookie of the YearDamian LillardPGPortland Trail Blazers
Sixth Man of the YearToney DouglasPGHouston Rockets
Defensive Player of the YearDwight HowardCLos Angeles Lakers
Most Improved PlayerPatrick PattersonPFHouston Rockets
Coach of the YearErik SpoelstraCoachMiami Heat
All-NBA 1st Team
All-NBA 1st TeamBrandon JenningsPGMilwaukee Bucks
Kyrie IrvingPGCleveland Cavaliers
LeBron JamesSFMiami Heat
Kevin DurantSFOklahoma City Thunder
Dwight HowardCLos Angeles Lakers
All-NBA 2nd Team
All-NBA 2nd TeamRussell WestbrookPGOklahoma City Thunder
Dwyane WadeSGMiami Heat
Carmelo AnthonySFNew York Knicks
Kevin LovePFMinnesota Timberwolves
Al JeffersonCUtah Jazz
All-NBA 3rd Team
All-NBA 3rd TeamChris PaulPGLos Angeles Clippers
Stephen CurryPGGolden State Warriors
Blake GriffinPFLos Angeles Clippers
David LeePFGolden State Warriors
Tim DuncanCSan Antonio Spurs
All-Defensive 1st Team
All-Defensive 1st TeamDwyane WadeSGMiami Heat
Paul GeorgeSGIndiana Pacers
Josh SmithSFAtlanta Hawks
Anthony DavisPFNew Orleans Hornets
Dwight HowardCLos Angeles Lakers
All-Defensive 2nd Team
All-Defensive 2nd TeamChris PaulPGLos Angeles Clippers
Goran DragicPGPhoenix Suns
Andrei KirilenkoSFMinnesota Timberwolves
Serge IbakaPFOklahoma City Thunder
DeAndre JordanCLos Angeles Clippers
All-Rookie 1st Team
All-Rookie 1st TeamDamian LillardPGPortland Trail Blazers
Dion WaitersSGCleveland Cavaliers
Michael Kidd-GilchristSFCharlotte Bobcats
Thomas RobinsonPFSacramento Kings
Anthony DavisPFNew Orleans Hornets
All-Rookie 2nd Team
All-Rookie 2nd TeamBradley BealSGWashington Wizards
Jeremy LambSGOklahoma City Thunder
Alexey ShvedSGMinnesota Timberwolves
Harrison BarnesSFGolden State Warriors
Jonas ValanciunasCToronto Raptors
Posted on March 8, 2013 at 01:42 AM.
Final NBA Standings - April 18, 2013
ATLANTICWLGB
Philadelphia 76ers4933-
New York Knicks46363
Brooklyn Nets40429
Toronto Raptors374512
Boston Celtics295320
CENTRALWLGB
Indiana Pacers4537-
Chicago Bulls4537-
Milwaukee Bucks38447
Detroit Pistons36469
Cleveland Cavaliers325013
SOUTHEASTWLGB
Miami Heat5824-
Atlanta Hawks414117
Washington Wizards374521
Charlotte Bobcats354723
Orlando Magic245834
NORTHWESTWLGB
Oklahoma City Thunder5428-
Denver Nuggets5428-
Minnesota Timberwolves483410
Utah Jazz473511
Portland Trail Blazers305228
PACIFICWLGB
Los Angeles Clippers4834-
Los Angeles Lakers46362
Sacramento Kings43395
Phoenix Suns42406
Golden State Warriors41417
SOUTHWESTWLGB
Dallas Mavericks4240-
San Antonio Spurs40422
Houston Rockets35477
New Orleans Hornets34488
Memphis Grizzlies33499


NBA League Leaders - April 18, 2013
PointsPPGReboundsRPG
1. Carmelo Anthony, SF27.51. DeAndre Jordan, C10.1
2. Josh Smith, SF26.72. Kevin Love, PF10.1
3. Brandon Jennings, PG26.43. Blake Griffin, PF10.0
4. Kevin Love, PF26.24. Anderson Varejao, C9.9
5. Russell Westbrook, PG25.75. Omer Asik, C9.9
AssistsAPGStealsSPG
1. Greivis Vasquez, PG10.11. Chris Paul, PG2.4
2. Steve Nash, PG9.92. Goran Dragic, PG2.0
3. Goran Dragic, PG9.93. Stephen Curry, PG1.8
4. Brandon Jennings, PG9.64. Paul George, SG1.8
5. Rajon Rondo, PG9.25. Kawhi Leonard, SF1.7
BlocksBPGOffensive ReboundsORPG
1. DeAndre Jordan, C2.41. DeAndre Jordan, C3.1
2. Dwight Howard, C2.42. Kevin Love, PF2.9
3. Al Jefferson, C2.33. Omer Asik, C2.8
4. Larry Sanders, C2.24. Brendan Haywood, C2.7
5. Serge Ibaka, PF2.25. Dwight Howard, C2.7
Minutes Per GameMPGField Goal PercentageFG%
1. Brandon Jennings, PG38.21. Dwight Howard, C.613
2. O.J. Mayo, SG37.72. JaVale McGee, C.599
3. Kevin Love, PF37.33. Nikola Pekovic, C.594
4. Luol Deng, SF37.24. Andrew Bynum, C.579
5. Goran Dragic, PG37.05. Kenneth Faried, PF.576
3/24/13-Bobcats, Trail Blazers swap Diop, Jeffries in minor move

CHARLOTTE-Two of the NBA's worst teams agreed to swap centers in a minor deal today, one of just a handful of trades in the NBA this season.

The Charlotte Bobcats announced they would send center DeSagana Diop to the Portland Trail Blazers for center Jared Jeffries in what amounts to a salary dump for both teams.

Diop played 38 games for the Bobcats before the trade, mostly in mopup duty. Diop, in the final year of $32 million contract he signed with the Mavericks after the 2008 season, averaged less than a point a game for Charlotte.

Jeffries, signed to a three-year deal by Portland in the offseason, hasn't played in a game all season long. That streak looks to persist in Charlotte, with Brendan Haywood and Byron Mullens manning the Bobcats frontcourt.
3/24/13-Faltering Suns acquire Turkoglu from Magic in three-team trade

PHOENIX-Looking to give their fading playoff chances a needed boost, the Phoenix Suns acquired small forward Hedo Turkoglu from the Orlando Magic in a three-team deal that saw Turkoglu rejoin the team that dealt him to Orlando over two years ago.

Just two games out for the eighth playoff seed with 12 games to go, Phoenix sent small forward Wesley Johnson and point guard Sebastian Telfair to the league-worst Magic for Turkoglu, power forward Quincy Acy, and center Kyle O'Quinn. Phoenix promptly sent O'Quinn the Hornets, sending Orlando center Hassan Whiteside from the Hornets.

The Suns had lost six of their last eight games before the trade.

Turkoglu averaged 11.3 points and 4.9 assists a game in 70 games for the Magic. Turkoglu will be active for Phoenix's home game against the Nets tonight.

Orlando head coach Jacque Vaughn said the Magic would start Johnson at small forward over rookie Moe Harkless. In 70 games with Phoenix, Johnson averaged 4.2 points and 2.7 rebounds a game, mostly in bench minutes behind All Star Michael Beasley.

Telfair, Phoenix's backup point guard, averaged 3.9 points and 1.7 assists with the Suns. Vaughn said Telfair would be the third-choice point guard in Orlando, behind Jameer Nelson and Ish Smith.

Acy will join his third team in three months, having joined Orlando from the Toronto Raptors in a February 9 trade. He played just three games for the Magic, totaling two points, one assist, and one block.

O'Quinn, Orlando's 2012-second round draft pick out of Norfolk State, hadn't played since a three-game stint in mid-November. O'Quinn, who is signed to three-year rookie minimum deal, will be the Hornets' third-choice center behind Robin Lopez and Jason Smith.

Whiteside has been inactive for the duration of the 2012-13 season so far. Vaughn confirmed Whiteside would remain inactive in Orlando for the time being.

For Orlando, the trade meant shedding nearly $8 million in payroll; of the three players Orlando received, only Johnson is signed past the end of the season. However, a Magic front office source said Johnson is likely to receive a buyout after the season, as the Magic are targeting UCLA small forward Shabazz Muhammad in this year's draft.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 09:40 PM.
3/17/13-Blazers fire Stotts, hire Shaw

PORTLAND-Terry Stotts didn't have the luck of the Irish in his only season with the Trail Blazers.

With both Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge sidelined by injuries for most of the season and off to the team's worst start in seven years, Portland fired the first-year head coach effective immediately. At the time of his firing, the Trail Blazers were a Western Conference worst 20-45.

Part of the Trail Blazers' struggles were attributable to injuries Aldridge and Lillard suffered early in the season. Aldridge broke his right arm just two weeks into the season, sidelining him for nearly eight weeks, while Lillard suffered torn hand ligaments in mid-December that kept him out for almost six weeks.

Before the season started, Portland was expected to be a dark horse candidate to reach the NBA Finals, thanks to a core of Lillard, Aldridge, and Nicolas Batum. Instead, the Trail Blazers now find themselves fighting for a lottery spot in the NBA Draft rather than playoff implications.

Blazers GM Neil Olshey also announced the team would hire first-year Oklahoma City Thunder assistant coach Cameron Shaw on a two-year deal as Stotts' replacement.

Prior to joining the Thunder Shaw, 36, was the head coach of the Eastern Kentucky Colonels, who compete in the NCAA's Ohio Valley Conference. Shaw guided the Colonels to the OVC regular-season championship and the National Invitation Tournament quarterfinals last season before taking the Thunder job.
2/17/13-Eastern Conference uses big third quarter to outlast Durant, Western Conference in All Star Game

East All-Stars at West All-Stars
Feb 17, 20131ST2ND3RD4THSCORE
Eastern Conference33253827123
Western Conference27322127107
Eastern Conference All-Stars
STARTERSMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Derrick Rose, PG228-91-14-43700321
Dwyane Wade, SG237-72-20-11311116
Carmelo Anthony, SF239-143-30-05510021
LeBron James, PF2110-152-22-26400224
Andrew Bynum, C141-20-00-0510202
BENCHMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Greg Monroe, C122-30-00-0300004
Kevin Garnett, PF102-30-00-0721004
Paul George, SG104-72-40-03200010
Josh Smith, SF103-30-00-0320006
Deron Williams, PG91-40-10-0120012
Kyrie Irving, PG65-81-30-00000011
Brandon Jennings, PG51-40-30-0011012
TEAM TOTALS53-7911-196-73729438123
Western Conference All-Stars
STARTERSMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Chris Paul, PG233-90-10-0271026
James Harden, SG263-101-32-22101009
Kobe Bryant, SF258-150-00-03920116
Kevin Durant, PF2414-194-50-04101032
Dwight Howard, C235-60-00-05100010
BENCHMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Kevin Love, PF91-21-10-0112003
Stephen Curry, PG84-82-30-01300010
Al Jefferson, C74-60-02-23100010
Michael Beasley, SF72-50-00-0300004
Russell Westbrook, PG61-30-00-0320002
Blake Griffin, PF41-10-00-0100012
Goran Dragic, PG41-31-10-0010003
TEAM TOTALS47-879-144-42836614107


HOUSTON-After blowing an early 10 point advantage by halftime, the Eastern Conference All Stars burst out of the gate in the third quarter, using a 38-21 advantage to coast to a 123-107 win over the Western Conference in the 2013 NBA All Star Game.

Led by Derrick Rose and LeBron James, the East opened the quarter on an 18-2 run to deny the Western Conference a third straight All Star win. Rose and James scored 14 of the 18 points during the East's run.

James had 24 points, six rebounds, and four assists en route to MVP honors, beating out the West's Kevin Durant, who scored a game-high 32 points in the loss. Rose had 21 points and seven assists for the East.

Two other Eastern Conference starters scored in double figures. Carmelo Anthony scored 21 points and tallied five rebounds and five assists, while Dwyane Wade scored 16 points for the East.

Lakers teammates Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard each scored in double figures: Bryant tallied 16 points and nine assists, while Howard had 10 points and five rebounds.

Houston Rockets guard James Harden had nine points and 10 assists in front of the hometown crowd.

Both teams had two bench scorers in double figures: Kyrie Irving scored 11 points and Paul George 10 for the East, while Al Jefferson and Stephen Curry had 10 points apiece for the West.
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 02:10 AM.
2/15/13-Elites take Rising Stars Challenge behind Lillard's 30

Team Stars at Team Elites
Feb 15, 20131ST2ND3RD4THSCORE
Stars26273024107
Elites26222841117
Stars
STARTERSMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Kyrie Irving, PG2512-203-46-66910133
Iman Shumpert, SG226-121-22-24521015
Kawhi Leonard, SF254-51-10-0430019
Thomas Robinson, PF2010-130-01-19400021
Nikola Vucevic, C263-50-00-0173106
BENCHMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Anthony Davis, PF172-40-03-4210007
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF112-50-00-0300024
Bradley Beal, SG82-70-02-2010006
Austin Rivers, PG83-50-00-0010016
Jonas Valanciunas, C40-00-00-0100100
TEAM TOTALS44-765-714-153031635107
Elites
STARTERSMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Damian Lillard, PG2310-136-74-45601130
Kemba Walker, SG248-185-112-22910323
Chandler Parsons, SF207-143-71-15311318
Kenneth Faried, PF182-30-00-1611004
Enes Kanter, C191-10-00-0100002
BENCHMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Marcus Morris, PF152-21-10-0321005
Meyers Leonard, C140-10-00-0401010
Harrison Barnes, SF133-82-42-22000010
Dion Waiters, SG106-84-41-22200017
Brandon Knight, PG93-72-40-0030008
TEAM TOTALS42-7523-3810-123026528117


HOUSTON-After trailing early, Team Elites used a 41-point fourth quarter surge led by Damian Lillard to take a commanding lead over Team Stars and the 117-107 victory in the Rising Stars Challenge.

Lillard, the Portland Trail Blazers point guard and presumptive Rookie of the Year winner, scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter for the Elites, who outscored Clevland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving and the Stars 41-24 in the final quarter. Lillard picked up MVP honors in the game, totaling six assists and five rebounds in addition to his 30 points.

Irving scored 33 points in the loss to the Elites, who were buoyed to the win by a heavy dose of three-point shooting. The Elites made 23 three-pointers in the game, compared to just seven attempts total for the stars.

Irving's Cavaliers teammate Dion Waiters was one of the beneficiaries of the Elites' free-shooting tactics. Waiters scored 17 points off the bench for the Elites, with 12 of those points coming off of four three-pointers.

Two other Elites starters scored in double figures in the game. Charlotte Bobcats point guard Kemba Walker had 23 points and nine assists, while Houston Rockets small forward Chandler Parsons scored 18 points and pulled down five rebounds. In addition to Waiters, Golden State Warriors small forward Harrison Barnes scored 10 points off the bench for the Elites.

Irving tallied nine assists and six rebounds in addition to his 33 points for the Stars, who had two other starters score in double figures: Sacramento Kings power forward Thomas Robinson scored 21 points and collected nine rebounds, while New York Knicks shooting guard Iman Shumpert scored 15 points and dished out five assists in the loss.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Posted on March 5, 2013 at 01:59 AM.
2/10/13–Rosters for 2013 NBA All Star Game announced

2013 NBA All-Star Game Rosters
Eastern ConferenceWestern Conference
Head Coach:
Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat)
Head Coach:
George Karl (San Antonio Spurs)
PosStartersPosStarters
PGDerrick Rose (Chicago Bulls)PGChris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers)
SGDwyane Wade (Miami Heat)SGJames Harden (Houston Rockets)
SFCarmelo Anthony (New York Knicks)SFKobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers)
PFLeBron James (Miami Heat)PFKevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)
CAndrew Bynum (Philadelphia 76ers)CDwight Howard (Los Angeles Lakers)
PosReservesPosReserves
PGBrandon Jennings (Milwaukee Bucks)PGStephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
PGDeron Williams (Brooklyn Nets)PGGoran Dragic (Phoenix Suns)
PGKyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers)PGRussell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder)
SGPaul George (Indiana Pacers)SFMichael Beasley (Phoenix Suns)
SFJosh Smith (Atlanta Hawks)PFBlake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers)
PFKevin Garnett (Boston Celtics)PFKevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves)
CGreg Monroe (Detroit Pistons)CAl Jefferson (Utah Jazz)


HOUSTON–With the NBA All Star Game set to take place in Houston in exactly a week, NBA commissioner David Stern and Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander announced the game's rosters and coaches at a press conference in downtown Houston Sunday.

The selections for the 2013 game featured an infusion of fresh faces, as 10 first-time selections will play in next weekend's midseason classic.

One of those 10 first-time All Stars is Rockets shooting guard James Harden, who will start at shooting guard for the Western Conference in next week's game.

Harden is joined in the Western Conference's backcourt by Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul, who started for the West All Stars in the 2012 edition of the game as well. The nomination was Paul's sixth straight All Star bid.

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant earned his 15th All Star nomination and will start at small forward for the West in Houston. Bryant started at shooting guard for the West a season ago.

Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant will start for the Western Conference at power forward in his fourth All Star Game, a season after starting at small forward. Durant is joined in the West's frontcourt by Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard, playing in his first All Star Game as a member of the Western Conference after six appearances for the East as member of the Orlando Magic.

Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin, Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love and Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook were all selected as reserves for the West; Griffin was the conference's starting power forward last season. It is the third consecutive nomination for each player.

The remaining four players on the West's bench are first-time All Stars, highlighted by two Phoenix Suns teammates: point guard Goran Dragic and small forward Michael Beasley. They are joined on the bench by Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry and Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference's starting lineup is nearly identical to their lineup last year. Four of their five starters are returning to the 2013 contest as starters, and their fifth starter was the starting center for the Western Conference a season ago.

Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose will man point guard for the East, Rose's fourth consecutive nomination to the All Star Game. Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade will start alongside Rose after earning his ninth All Star nomination.

Wade's Miami Heat teammate LeBron James also earned his ninth All Star nomination this season; James will start at power forward for the Eastern Conference.

New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony returns to the All Star Game as the Eastern Conference starter after doing so a year ago; Anthony's 2013 nomination was his fourth consecutive nomination and sixth overall.

The new starter, Philadelphia 76ers center Andrew Bynum, will start at center for the Eastern Conference. Bynum started for the Western Conference in his first All Star appearance, last season in Orlando.

The East's bench is highlighted by five first-time All Stars, headlined by Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving, the 2012 NBA Rookie of the Year. Irving is joined by Milwaukee Bucks point guard Brandon Jennings, Indiana Pacers shooting guard Paul George, Atlanta Hawks small forward Josh Smith, and Detroit Pistons center Greg Monroe as first-time All Stars.

Two returning All Stars round out the Eastern Conference's bench. Brooklyn Nets point guard Deron Williams will play in his fourth consecutive All Star game, while Boston Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett returns to the midseason classic after a one-year absence. Garnett is now tied with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal for second place on the list of most All Star game appearances with 15.

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra was named head coach of the Eastern Conference, as his team has the conference's best record, but Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl was named the Western Conference's head coach; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks, whose team has the best record in the league, is ineligible to coach the game after doing so a season ago.
2/8/13–With Bargnani lost for season, Magic send Harrington to Raptors

TORONTO–The Toronto Raptors wasted no time in finding a replacement for injured power forward Andrea Bargnani.

Less than 24 hours after learning Bargnani would miss the rest of the season, Toronto swung a trade for Orlando Magic power forward Al Harrington, sending rookie forward Quincy Acy and small forward Linas Kleiza to the Magic for Harrington and point guard E'Twaun Moore.

Bargnani tore the medial collateral ligament in his right knee six minutes into Wednesday's game against the Boston Celtics. Once the diagnosis was confirmed by an MRI Thursday, Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo moved quickly to replace Bargnani, who was averaging a career-high 22.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game through 29 games with Toronto.

Colangelo said Harrington will assume starting duties in Toronto, who are in seventh place in the Eastern Conference with a 28-22 record. Harrington had a similar stat line to Bargnani's in Orlando, averaging 19.3 points and 6.5 rebounds a game. Just three games separate six teams battling for the final two spots in the conference.

In what essentially amounted to a salary dump for the league-worst Magic, Toronto now finds itself saddled with three long-term contracts at power forward. Toronto will owe Harrington approximately $21 million over the next three seasons, and all three of the Raptors' power forwards (Bargnani, Harrington, and Amir Johnson) are signed to three-year deals.

Acy, Toronto's second-round pick in 2012, had played in just 14 of Toronto's 49 games before the trade. Acy's rookie-minimum contract expires after the 2013 season. A Raptors front office source said Acy was included in the trade to help offset Moore's salary, who Orlando offered to Toronto as part of a plan to shed contracts before the free agency period.

Kleiza found himself behind Landry Fields and Mickael Pietrus on head coach Dwane Casey's depth chart, averaging just over six minutes a game for Toronto; Kleiza's last game with double-digit minutes was in early December. The former first-round pick's $4.6 million contract expires after the season; a Magic front office source said the Magic would not try to re-sign Kleiza.

Moore, like Acy, failed to find minutes with his team, with point guard arguably the strongest position on the Magic. Moore averaged just over four minutes a game for the Magic stuck behind Jameer Nelson and Ish Smith. The Raptors front office source said Moore, in his second year in the league, was viewed by the team as a long-term prospect. That source also said Moore would likely take veteran John Lucas's spot on the roster next season. Both Moore and Lucas are in the final years of their contracts this season.

Bargnani was just the second player in the league to suffer a season-ending injury; Devin Harris suffered a torn MCL in his right knee that ended his season in November.
Posted on March 5, 2013 at 12:54 AM.
Washington Wizards (37-45)
Southeast Division, Third Place

Head Coach: Randy Wittman (2nd season)

Washington Wizards Depth Chart - 2013
STARTER2ND3RD4TH
PGJohn WallDelonte WestA.J. Price
SGJordan CrawfordBradley BealBill Walker
SFTrevor ArizaMartell WebsterCartier Martin
PFNeneTrevor BookerChris Singleton
CEmeka OkaforKevin SeraphinJan Vesely


Rotation
PG-John Wall: 18.0 PPG, 7.9 APG, 4.7 RPG, 1.5 SPG
SG-Jordan Crawford: 24.8 PPG, 4.6 APG, 4.0 RPG, 1.1 SPG
SF-Trevor Ariza: 11.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.5 SPG
PF-Nene: 15.0 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.2 BPG, 1.0 BPG
C-Emeka Okafor: 9.7 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.9 BPG
6-Bradley Beal: 12.5 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.0 SPG
7-Kevin Seraphin: 8.5 PPG, 4.4 RPG
8-Delonte West: 7.5 PPG, 2.3 APG
9-Trevor Booker: 2.7 PPG, 1.7 RPG
10-Martell Webster: 2.3 PPG, 1.5 RPG
11-Chris Singleton: 1.6 PPG, 2.2 RPG
12-Jan Vesely: 1.6 PPG, 1.5 RPG
13-Bill Walker: 2.5 PPG
14-Cartier Martin: 2.3 PPG
15-A.J. Price: 3.0 PPG

Key Headlines
Wall named Eastern Conference Player of the Week
Crawford named Eastern Conference Player of the Week
Beal named January's Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month
Crawford named Eastern Conference Player of the Week
Beal to play in Rising Stars Challenge
Crawford named Eastern Conference Player of the Week
Source: Wizards to choose between Crawford, Beal in offseason
Beal named to NBA All-Rookie Second Team
Report: Small forward top priority for Wizards in draft
Posted on March 5, 2013 at 12:41 AM.
Golden State Warriors (41-41)
Pacific Division, Fifth Place

Head Coach: Mark Jackson (2nd season)

Golden State Warriors Depth Chart - 2013
STARTER2ND3RD4TH
PGStephen CurryJarrett JackCharles Jenkins
SGMichael ReddKlay ThompsonBrandon Rush
SFRichard JeffersonHarrison BarnesDraymond Green
PFDavid LeeCarl LandryJeremy Tyler
CAndrew BogutFestus EzeliAndris Biedrins


Rotation
PG-Stephen Curry: 22.8 PPG, 7.7 APG, 4.7 RPG, 1.8 SPG
SG-Jarrett Jack: 16.0 PPG, 7.2 APG, 4.4 RPG, 1.0 SPG
SF-Richard Jefferson: 9.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.5 APG
PF-David Lee: 21.3 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.3 SPG
C-Andrew Bogut: 14.4 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.1 BPG, 1.4 APG
6-Carl Landry: 11.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.1 BPG
7-Klay Thompson: 8.7 PPG, 1.7 APG, 1.4 RPG
8-Harrison Barnes: 9.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.4 APG
9-Michael Redd: 6.0 PPG, 1.1 RPG
10-Brandon Rush: 2.8 PPG, 1.3 RPG
11-Draymond Green: 2.1 PPG, 1.9 RPG
12-Festus Ezeli: 0.7 PPG, 1.9 RPG
13-Andris Biedrins: 0.5 PPG, 1.6 RPG
14-Charles Jenkins: 2.5 PPG, 1.3 APG
15-Jeremy Tyler: 2.9 PPG, 1.3 RPG

Key Headlines
Lee named Western Conference Player of the Week
Curry named Western Conference Player of the Week
Curry named December's Western Conference Player of the Month
Lee named Western Conference Player of the Week
Barnes selected to Rising Stars Challenge
Curry earns first career All Star nomination
Source: Warriors actively shopping Jack
Curry named Western Conference Player of the Week
Report: Warriors likely to cut Biedrins, Jefferson, Rush loose
Barnes selected to NBA All-Rookie Second Team
Curry, Lee named to All-NBA Third Team
Posted on March 5, 2013 at 12:23 AM.
Portland Trail Blazers (30-52)
Northwest Division, Fifth Place

Head Coach: Terry Stotts (1st season, fired) (20-45)
Cameron Shaw (1st season) (10-7)

Portland Trail Blazers Depth Chart - 2013
STARTER2ND3RD4TH
PGDamian LillardNolan SmithRonnie Price
SGWesley MatthewsElliot WilliamsWill Barton
SFNicolas BatumVictor ClaverSasha Pavlovic
PFLaMarcus AldridgeLuke BabbittJoel Freeland
CJ.J. HicksonMeyers Leonard(Jared Jeffries)(DeSagana Diop)

NOTE: Portland traded Jared Jeffries to the Charlotte Bobcats for DeSagana Diop on March 24.

Rotation
PG-Damian Lillard: 18.3 PPG, 7.7 APG, 4.0 RPG, 1.3 SPG
SG-Wesley Matthews: 16.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.5 SPG
SF-Nicolas Batum: 17.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.5 BPG, 1.1 SPG
PF-LaMarcus Aldridge: 21.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.4 BPG
C-J.J. Hickson: 13.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 1.3 APG
6-Nolan Smith: 10.1 PPG, 4.9 APG, 2.7 RPG, 1.0 SPG
7-Meyers Leonard: 4.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG
8-Elliot Williams: 9.7 PPG, 1.8 RPG
9-Joel Freeland: 4.1 PPG, 2.0 RPG
10-Ronnie Price: 3.2 PPG, 3.1 APG, 1.2 RPG
11-Luke Babbitt: 3.5 PPG, 1.3 RPG
12-Sasha Pavlovic: 2.2 PPG, 1.1 RPG
13-Victor Claver: 2.7 PPG, 1.5 RPG
14-Will Barton: 2.4 PPG
15-DeSagana Diop: 0.5 PPG, 1.6 RPG
15-Jared Jeffries
NOTE: Jared Jeffries did not play for the Trail Blazers in 2012-13.


Key Headlines
Aldridge to miss two months with broken arm
Lillard named November's Western Conference Rookie of the Month
Lillard to miss two months with torn hand ligaments
Lillard to play in Rising Stars Challenge
Lillard named MVP of Rising Stars Challenge
Lillard named February's Western Conference Rookie of the Month
Trail Blazers fire Stotts, name Shaw new head coach
Report: Blazers likely to only retain Smith, rookies from '12-13 bench
Lillard named to NBA All-Rookie First Team
Lillard wins Rookie of the Year Award
Report: Trail Blazers shopping Hickson, likely to target center in upcoming draft

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