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Let's Set Odds: Who Will Be Biggest NBA All-Star Snub?

By Reed Wallach

Jan 30, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31)
Jan 30, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) / Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
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The 2022 All-Star Game reserves will be released on Thursday night and the hot takes are sure to be flying with who was rightfully put on the rosters and wrongfully omitted.

The game is an exhibition but it's always a fun talking point as we take stock of the league at the midway point of the season. With the reserves being announced Thursday, let's set hypothetical odds on who is most likely to be snubbed for each conferences roster.

These spots are selecting by the 30 coaches in the league, so keep that in mind when we discuss who will make or miss the game.

Eastern Conference All Star Game Snubs

  • LaMelo Ball: +200
  • Jaylen Brown: +350
  • Jarrett Allen: +600
  • Darius Garland: +800
  • Jimmy Butler: +1000
  • James Harden: +1200

Ball is a trendy name, but may come up short in his bid for his first All Star Game given the fact that the Hornets are currently in the play in game and there are guys putting up bigger numbers than him. The flashy point guard would be an exciting addition, but not sure he gets over the hump, especially with other young rising stars that are on betters teams.

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum seem to be duking it out for one spot on the roster, but Tatum feels like a comfortable bet to make the team while Brown is sweating one of the final spots. Tatum has the counting stats, averaging nearly 26 points per game, but also the team feels his presence more on the floor. Boston is over 11 points better with Tatum on the floor this season, per CleaningTheGlass, while Brown is a bit better than +6. I believe Tatum is firmly in but Brown may be left out.

Allen will likely make it as he is a key cog to the league's most impressive team relative to expectation this season in the host city Cleveland Cavaliers. However, I can see Allen being a victim of circumstances as he looks to make his first All Star Game.

The big man is flanked by star rookie Evan Mobley and lead guard Darius Garland, who is putting up gaudy numbers on the playoff bound Cavs, averaging nearly 20 points and over 8 assists.

Western Conference All Star Game Snubs

  • Dejounte Murray: +250
  • Deandre Ayton: +300
  • Mikal Bridges: +350
  • Donovan Mitchell: +700
  • Karl Anthony-Towns: +900

Dejounte Murray is one of the brightest young stars in the running for an All Star Game nod, but may be left off due to the Spurs record.

Murray is averaging over 20 points per game while racking up a league best 2 steals to go with 8 rebounds and 9 assists. Unfortunately, in a crowded Western Conference, he is most likely to get left off the ballot based on the name recognition of other players and team success. San Antonio is just 19-33 on the season.

While we discuss team success, it feels as if just one of Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges will make the All Star Game. Devin Booker and Chris Paul will each be in for the defending Western Conference Champions Suns, who also boast the best record, but there may only be room for one more on the roster.

The last one we'll mention is Donovan Mitchell, who has been slighted during the All Star process in the past, joining his Jazz teammate Rudy Gobert as the last pick in last season's All Star Draft between LeBron James and Kevin Durant. I don't foresee Mitchell being left off the team, but he's worth being mentioned as a potential snub in a crowded backcourt that will definitely have Paul, Booker and Luka Doncic.

You can find all of Reed's bets HERE!

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