In recognition of the annual appointment of players to hoop in the mid-season showpiece, this Kia Race to the MVP Ladder is dedicated to those who’ll play in next month’s All-Star Game. Every player repping this week’s ladder is an All-Star.

The Minnesota Timberwolves traded Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks before the season, and so far, it looks like New York won the trade. KAT has been excellent for the Knicks; he was just named an All-Star starter in the Eastern Conference alongside Jalen Brunson.

The Milwaukee Bucks have been excellent in first quarters lately, and this could be a game-changer for them if they do it consistently.

The Knicks have let a few too many winnable games slip away, including Friday’s 116-99 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The New York Knicks are carrying the weight of monumental expectations. Don't be so quick to believe they're cracking under the pressure.

The NBA released a statement earlier today announcing the postponement of tonight’s game between the Milwaukee Bucks and New Orleans Pelicans due to extreme wea

This affiliate content is not influenced by our advertising relationships, but AP and Data Skrive might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content.

The Bucks had initially gone 47-35 up and looked good for what would have been a 10th win in 12, but found themselves 64-61 down at half-time

James L. Edwards III, Fred Katz and Jay King analyze the Eastern Conference at the halfway point of the season.

Out of the West, LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers was named to his 21st straight All-Star Game, joined by 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant (Phoenix), 11-time All-Star Stephen Curry (Golden State), three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic (Denver) and MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City).

This affiliate content is not influenced by our advertising relationships, but AP and Data Skrive might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content.

If last season proved anything, it was that the Knicks were well-equipped to wage a postseason run, even after All-Star Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson went down for the year with varying injuries. Their upgraded cast may exceed last year’s team and the Eastern Conference Semifinals they reached in pursuit of a title come June.