1. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Durant has been talking a lot of trash. Most of it has been in defense of everything that James has been saying. He even stated in an interview on NBA TV that he is looking forward to going 1 on 1 with James tonight. Durant is not backing down from James and he is more than ready to make another statement tonight.
Durant has continued to rise to the challenge in the absence of his running mate Russell Westbrook because of injury. Durant also schooled James in their last regular season matchup on January 29th in South Beach where the Thunder picked up a statement win over the Heat. Another minor factor in Durant’s favor, Thunder coach Scott Brooks will be the head coach of the West squad.
Durant has arrived and will try his hardest to be the player holding up the MVP trophy at the end of the night. At the halfway mark of the season, Durant is in the lead for the regular season MVP but he has to finish strong to claim the title. Tonight, he will be in attack mode and looking to have fun. That is scary for anyone that has to guard him.
