Reigning MVP Kevin Durant and first-time All-Star Klay Thompson were selected to the NBA All-Star game as reserve players, the league announced on Thursday.
Durant, who was named MVP of the 2012 All-Star game and will be appearing in the marquee affair for the sixth consecutive time, has only played in 21 of Oklahoma City’s 46 games while dealing with foot and toe injuries.
Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Thompson is to make his first appearance. There are plenty of familiar faces among the Western Conference reserves, including Durant’s Thunder teammate Russell Westbrook; NBA scoring leader James Harden, of the Houston Rockets; and Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul.
However, there were also several who were snubbed, including Sacramento center DeMarcus Cousins and Portland point guard Damian Lillard.
The game is to be held at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 15.
Spurs big man and future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan is to make his 15th appearance in the All-Star game, tying him with Kevin Garnett and Shaquille O’Neal for third-most all-time. Portland power forward LaMarcus Aldridge, who has put off thumb surgery, rounds out the West roster.
Harden is expected to be elevated to the starting lineup in place of injured Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, who is sidelined for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on his shoulder.
There were few surprises among the Eastern Conference reserves, with the first place Atlanta Hawks placing three players in the game for the first time in 35 years.
Point guard Jeff Teague made his first All-Star game, forward Paul Millsap his second and center Al Horford will represent the East for the third time.
Bucks 115, Magic 100
In Orlando, Florida, Jerryd Bayless scored 19 points in 20 minutes, leading the well-balanced Milwaukee Bucks over the Orlando Magic.
The Bucks (24-22) had seven players score in double figures while snapping a 17-game losing streak in Orlando. The Magic (15-34) lost their seventh consecutive game.
Milwaukee’s John Henson, in his first start of the season, finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Grizzlies 99, Nuggets 69
In Memphis, Tennessee, Zach Randolph posted his 11th consecutive double-double with 15 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 30-point victory over the Denver Nuggets.
The Grizzlies (34-12) earned their ninth win in 10 games overall and their seventh in their past eight home games.
Randolph, averaging 17 points and 12 rebounds since returning from a knee injury on Jan. 9, did not play in the fourth quarter. The Grizzlies rested their starters after ending the third with a 25-point lead.
Pacers 103, Knicks 82
In Indianapolis, Indiana, the Pacers, who had lost their previous three home games, scored a combined 67 points during the second and third quarters on their way to a win over the New York Knicks.
Lakers 123, Bulls 118 (2OT)
In Los Angeles, Jordan Hill scored 26 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers halted a nine-game losing skid with a thrilling double-overtime victory over the Chicago Bulls.
Wayne Ellington added 23 points as the Lakers (13-34) avoided matching the 1993-94 club for the franchise’s worst losing run.
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