Jayson Tatum Starting in Fourth All-Star Game Appearance; Jaylen Brown a Virtual Lock to Earn a Reserve Spot

Jayson Tatum will start in the NBA All-Star Game for the third year in a row.
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When the NBA All-Star Game tips off on Feb. 19 in Salt Lake City, Utah, for the third consecutive year, Jayson Tatum will be out there at the start of the event.

The now four-time All-Star is also in the thick of the MVP race, averaging 31 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and a steal per game. The former two would represent season highs for him, while his output as a facilitator, which has increased every year, would match his 2021-22 production.

Tatum, who's second in total points (1428) and third in points per game, is also fourth in minutes (1708) and third in playing time per contest (37.1). He's suited up for 46 of Boston's 49 games.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (captain), Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Donovan Mitchell round out the All-Star starters from the East.

While Jaylen Brown had a compelling case to join Tatum in that group, he's a virtual lock to earn his second All-Star appearance.

Brown is generating 26.9 points per contest and 7.1 rebounds, which would represent season highs for him. He's also averaging 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals. He is 11th in total points this season (1155) and 12th in points per game.

LeBron James (captain), Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić, and Zion Williamson earned starting spots for the West.

Further Reading

Celtics Get Good News on the Injury Front; Knicks Down a Starter for Thursday's Matchup

Here are Three Prop Bets to Consider Ahead of Thursday's Celtics-Knicks Showdown

The Roots of the Heat's Fourth-Quarter Rally Stand Out Above All as Celtics Suffer Second-Straight Loss

The Top 5 Plays from Tuesday's Celtics-Heat Game

For the Celtics, a Quiet Trade Deadline May Prove Best

Celtics Reportedly Looking for Players in Very Specific Range Ahead of NBA Trade Deadline


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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.