NBA: 2019 All-Star Game reserves announced

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - The reserve squads of NBA 2019 All-Star Game in Charlotte were announced late Thursday, with the highlight of stars Blake Griffin, Ben Simmons, Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson and Russell Westbrook.

The fans, media and the players selected the starters of this year's All-Star game, while the reserve squads were selected by the NBA coaches.

Oklahoma City Thunder's prolific point-guard Russell Westerbrook was selected for the eight time -- joining his teammate Paul George; while New Orleans Pelicans' superstar Anthony Davis -- who recently asked for a trade -- got the honor for the sixth time.

San Antonio Spurs' big man LaMarcus Aldridge was selected an All-Star for the seventh time. Aldridge scored his career best 56 points in a game this season.

Golden State Warriors' hot shooter -- Stephen Curry's “splash brother” Klay Thompson was also selected for the All-Star Game, marking his fifth time.

Portland Trail Blazers' star Damian Lillard will be playing in the All-Star Game for the fourth time, while Minnesota Timberwolves' young star Karl-Anthony Towns was selected for the second time.

Denver Nuggets' big man Nikola Jokic got the All-Star honor for the first time in his career. Jokic is an essential piece in the Nuggets' squad, which improved to second place in the Western Conference this season.

Meanwhile, the reserve players from the Eastern Conference squad were highlighted by Detroit Pistons' star Blake Griffin, who was selected for the sixth time.

Toronto Raptors' Kyle Lowry will play in his fifth All-Star game, joining Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards (second All-Star Game) and Indiana Pacers' star Victor Oladipo (second time) -- who has recently had a season-ending knee operation.

Victor Oladipo will be replaced by another player, the call-up will be announced soon.

Milwaukee Bucks' shooting guard Khris Middleton, Orlando Magic's big man Nikola Vucevic and Philadelphia 76ers' young star Ben Simmons were selected as All-Stars for the first time in their careers.

Here are the reserve squads selected by the NBA coaches:

Western Conference: Anthony Davis (New Orleans), Nikola Jokic (Denver), LaMarcus Aldridge (San Antonio), Damian Lillard (Portland), Klay Thompson (Golden State), Karl-Anthony Towns and Russell Westbrook.

Eastern Conference: Bradley Beal (Washington), Blake Griffin (Detroit), Khris Middleton (Milwaukee), Kyle Lowry (Toronto), Victor Oladipo (Indiana), Ben Simmons (Philadelphia) and Nikola Vucevic (Orlando).