Early NBA All-Star predictions: Which stars will we see in USA vs. the World?

"Even as the format for the NBA All-Star Game continues to change, being named an All-Star is a point of pride for players, a validation for their fans and a historical marker of legacy. The initial selection process for the new USA vs. the World format this season will work almost the same as it has in the past, just with the tweak of being positionless. Then, if the class of 24 All-Stars doesn't split perfectly into 16 American and eight international players -- from a combination of fans, media and players voting for the starters and coaches picking the reserves -- commissioner Adam Silver will add extra players to the roster to meet those minimums."

"For instance, if the All-Star rosters include 15 Americans and nine international players, Silver would add one more American to the group. Now that the season is about halfway to the selection of those All-Stars -- the game is Sunday, Feb. 15 -- it's time to take a survey of the field of candidates. As some stars have started to separate themselves from the pack, let's examine who's almost definitely in, who's on the bubble and who's in danger of missing out on an All-Star appearance -- unless they turn their season around quickly."

"Near-locks Seven of these 12 All-Star spots are near-locks, meaning only a lengthy injury absence or severe slump could knock these players off the roster. Antetokounmpo, Brunson and Mitchell are easy choices, as All-Star mainstays turning in typically stellar seasons. Maxey leads the conference in scoring (32.3 points per game) after another individual leap. And Brown, who's made three consecutive All-Star"

The NBA All-Star Game uses a new USA vs. the World format with positionless voting for the initial selections. Starters are chosen by a combination of fans, media and players while coaches select the reserves. Commissioner Adam Silver will add players if the 24 selected do not meet the minimum split of 16 American and eight international players. The game is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 15, and the season sits about halfway to selections. Players are being evaluated as near-locks, on the bubble or at risk of missing the All-Star roster.

Read at ESPN.com